Four years after the senseless murder of a teenager, police are appealing for people to come forward with information to help catch his killers.
Yusuf Sonko, 18, died after being shot and left for dead on Tagus Street, Toxteth, on June 2, 2017.
Emergency services raced to the street at the back of shops on Lodge Lane around 8.30pm and found the injured teenager.
Yusuf was taken to hospital but died a short time later.
Although there have been a number of arrests in connection to the 18-year-old's murder, his killers have never been caught.
A £20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible remains unclaimed.
Today, community policing officers will be in the area to provide a high-visibility presence and to speak to residents and businesses.
Merseyside Police are urging anyone who holds information to come forward, either directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
Detective Chief Inspector Siobhan Gainer, who is leading the investigation, said: “Four years has now passed since Yusuf’s tragic death, and we’re as determined as ever to see that those responsible are found, and that his family and friends see that justice is done.
“A number of men remain under investigation but we’re convinced that there are people who live in L8 and beyond who hold vital information to progress this investigation.
"We do understand the worry and fear that people feel when speaking to police, so I want to reiterate that anything passed on is handled with care and sensitivity, and that there are measures can be put in place to protect those brave enough to speak.
“Murder investigations can sometimes take years to solve, so time is no barrier to our enquiries. In fact, people who felt reluctant to come forward at the time or since may now be in a position to do so.
"Please do the right thing and help a family desperate for answers.
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“We’re still actively appealing for any witnesses to the shooting itself, or those who may have seen groups of young males running in the Lodge Lane area just before 8.30pm on the night, or two males on pedal bikes in the area before or after.
"Any piece of detail, however small, could be a huge step forward for us all, so please don’t assume what you know is trivial or unimportant. We will make that assessment.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, was in the area at the time, or has any information is urged to contact us via 101, Merseyside Police's social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter, or alternatively leave information anonymously and for free with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, with reference number 0517135977.
You can also use their online form anonymously: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online.
