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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Paul Britton

Detectives investigating double murder at Moss Side street party seize 59 mobile phones

More than 50 mobile phones have been seized and forensically examined by detectives investigating a double murder at a Moss Side street party, police have revealed.

And investigators say they remain 'optimistic' more video footage exists they haven't yet seen.

An update on the investigation into the murders of Cheriff Tall, 21, and Abayomi 'Junior' Ajose, 36, was revealed as police confirmed a new senior detective has taken charge of the case.

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Both men were both shot in the head during a lockdown party held in a car park off Caythorpe Street, Moss Side, in the early hours of June 21, 2020.

It is believed Mr Ajose, a support worker and father of three, stepped in to help Mr Tall when the latter became involved in an argument with the gunman.

Three gunshot cartridges were found at the scene and both men tragically died shortly after arriving at hospital.

Police at the scene in 2020 (MEN Media)

Up to 400 people are thought to have been at the event - including a group from the Birmingham area.

The Manchester Evening News revealed in October last year that police believe the handgun used was supplied on the night.

We reported police have a prime suspect, but he's believed to be on the run.

Inspector Neil Higginson has now been appointed as the new senior investigating officer in the case, GMP said.

In the update, police revealed the investigation so far has seen 10 warrants executed which have led to seven people being arrested and questioned in custody.

A total of 59 mobile phones have also been seized and sent away for forensic analysis.

No one has been charged, but detectives said they would continue to 'persistently piece together all information' received.

Mr Ajose and his family (GMP.)

Inspector Higginson said: "The work that has gone into this investigation has been extensive and as the new SIO, I am determined that we do not lose pace as we continue to collect, investigate and examine all the available evidence.

"This double murder happened at a location where hundreds of people were present at the time and I am optimistic that there is more video footage and information that we have not yet been privy to.

"If you have not yet come forward, please be assured that we value every single piece of information as even the smallest snippet could end up being a vital clue as we continue to investigate these murders.

"We are particularly keen to see any videos which were filmed from midnight onwards."

Detectives have been working closely with their counterparts in West Midlands Police - with public appeals for help also made in Birmingham.

But they say the suspect could have fled abroad.

Insp Higginson urged the public to help catch a 'dangerous man'.

"We are over a year and a half on from the start of the investigation, however I would like to reassure the public that this very much remains a live investigation and we rely heavily on the community to help us solve this case and ensure that a dangerous man is taken off of the streets and put behind bars," he added.

GMP has a dedicated portal available for anyone to send through footage or photographs: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP20S30-PO1

Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 856 9908, quoting incident number 221 of 21/06/20 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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