A 36-year-old man has been arrested in Turkey on suspicion of murder, six years after two men were shot dead at a party. Junior Ajose, 36, and Cheriff Tall, 21, were killed at a lockdown party in a car park in the Moss Side area of Manchester in June 2020. A gunman shot Tall first before killing Ajose, who had stepped in to help.
Arrest and return to UK
Officers have now revealed that a 36-year-old suspect was detained in Turkey over their deaths and was flown back to Stansted Airport in London yesterday. The man has not been identified. He was met by Greater Manchester Police officers and taken into custody.
Between 300 and 400 people were present in the car park on the night the two men were killed. A number of people at the party could still hold crucial eyewitness accounts that could help the investigation, officers believe.
Investigation continues
Officers have arrested and questioned several individuals in their quest to find the murderer and have seized mobile phones and other items as part of their investigations. A £50,000 reward remains available for key information that leads to the conviction of the killer over six years on.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson from the Major Incident Team said: 'This arrest demonstrates our unwavering commitment to securing justice for Junior and Cheriff and their loved ones.'
'Over the last six years, myself and my officers have been carrying out multiple warrants, analysing evidence, examining devices that have been seized during the investigation and pursuing every opportunity to identify those responsible.'
'While this arrest marks a significant development in our investigation, our work is far from over.'
'We continue to appeal for information that could help us establish the full circumstances of what happened that night and identify any outstanding suspects.'
'We know that some people who were there that night have not yet spoken with us, and we want to take this opportunity to urge you to come forward and speak with us.'
'The smallest piece of information could prove to be vital. Anyone who witnessed what happened, or who knows anything about those responsible, please do the right thing and come forward.'
'The £50,000 reward remains in place, and all information we receive will be investigated thoroughly and treated with the respect that it deserves.'
