The mother of murdered student Tanesha Melbourne-Blake told of her heartbreak as police revealed the pistol which killed her was a “gun for hire” used to kill an innocent man days earlier.
Forensic tests on a bullet recovered from the 17-year-old’s body after a drive-by shooting on April 2, 2018, concluded it was fired from the same 7.65mm Browning that shot Joseph Williams-Torres, 20, on March 14.
Detectives believe it had circulated among two rival London gangs for at least a year, with ballistics experts now linking it to three further shootings dating back to May 2017.
Tanesha’s mother said today: “It’s disgusting how youngsters are able to put their hands on guns like this.
"I just want people to come forward to say what they know. It’s heartbreaking.”
Five men aged 18 to 50 have been arrested on suspicion of murder. Three were released under investigation and two face no further action.
Anyone with information can call police on 020 8358 0100 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
