A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with a double shooting at a lockdown party in Manchester more than six years ago. The suspect was detained in Turkey and flown back to England on Saturday, where he was met by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers at Stansted Airport.
Fatal shooting in Moss Side
The arrest relates to the fatal shooting of Junior Ajose, 36, and Cheriff Tall, 21, in the early hours of June 21, 2020. Both men were killed in a car park off Caythorpe Street in Moss Side, Manchester.
In a statement on Sunday, GMP described the arrest as a "significant step in the investigation." Police believe "key information remains within the community" and have urged anyone with information to come forward. A £50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of those responsible for the alleged murders.
Appeal for witnesses
An estimated 300 to 400 people were in the car park on the night of the shooting, and detectives believe some of these people could hold "crucial eyewitness accounts."
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson, of GMP's 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," he added.
"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."
How to provide information
"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," Higginson said. "The £50,000 reward remains in place, and all information we receive will be investigated thoroughly and treated with the respect that it deserves."
Anyone with information is asked to contact GMP on 0161 856 3691, quoting incident number 221 of 21/06/20. Individuals can also submit information, including pictures and videos, anonymously to the Major Incident Public Portal for 'Operation Tarnbrook'. Alternatively, information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or via its website.
