Suspect is named in ukraine murder probe

A SUSPECT wanted in connection with the murder of a Manchester man in Ukraine has been named.

Daniel Burke had gone to support the resistance against Russia when he was fatally shot from behind, an inquest hearing was told. But Daniel did not die in a theatre of war.

He disappeared on August 11 last year before his body was found in a drain near a shooting range on the outskirts of Zaporizhzhya. His remains were not found until September 16, seven weeks after his death and confirmation that it was Daniel, established through DNA, was not made until December.

GMP has confirmed his death is being treated as homicide by the Ukrainian authorities.

The 36-year-old former British paratrooper, from Wythenshawe, had suffered more than one gunshot wound to the head and upper neck and a man has made a confession to his killing, saying it was an accident, an opening to his inquest was told.

The hearing before Area Coroner for Manchester, Zak Golombeck, was told information surrounding Daniel’s death was relatively limited in respect of the circumstances. The coroner said he had directed Greater Manchester Police to seek additonal information from the Ukrainian authorities.

Mr Golombeck said it is understood that there was some ‘altercation or incident’ whereby an individual who was travelling with Daniel had shot him.

Now GMP in a statement have named a suspect wanted for Daniel’s murder. Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, of GMP’s Serious Crime Division, said: “Alongside Daniel’s family we have been informed by authorities in Ukraine that they have a named suspect in their investigation into Daniel’s death, Abdelfetah ‘Adam’ Nourine. Also known as ‘Jihadi Adam’, [he is] an Australian-Algerian dual national who has subsequently fled the area and remains outstanding in efforts

Daniel Burke was found shot dead in Ukraine to find him. His Majesty’s Area Coroner for Manchester, Zak Golombek, has been updated at every stage.

“The opening of the inquest into Daniel’s death last month was an important step forward in the journey to ensure that Daniel’s family receive the answers they deserve, but we know this will not stop until his killer is brought to justice in the Ukraine.”

The coroner said he was aware of a confession being made in respect of Daniel’s death although he had not seen any evidence of it.

Kevin Burke, Daniel’s father, told the hearing: “From day one I have always wanted that person bringing to justice.”