A £50,000 reward is being offered to anyone who can provide “key information” that could lead to finding the killer from a double shooting in Moss Side back in 2020.
On the third anniversary of the fatal double shooting in Moss Side that took place back in 2020, and tragically claimed the lives of both 36-year-old Junior Ajose and 21-year-old Cheriff Tall, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and family members are once again appealing to the public for any information that may lead to finding the killer.
And this time, they’re offering a £50,000 reward.
Since the horrific incident occurred, a dedicated team of detectives have continued to work “tirelessly” to piece together what happened on Sunday 21 June 2020 when gun shots were heard just before 1am (00:55am) in a car park on Caythorpe Street – but they still desperately need the public’s help to locate the gunman.
The double shooting occurred after a community event in the Moss Side area of Manchester, and it’s believed there were between 300-400 people present at the time, GMP revealed.
#REWARD | Three years on we are still investigating the murder of Junior Ajose and Cheriff Tall in #MossSide and remain committed to find their killer.
That is why now there is a £50,000 reward for any key information still out in the community.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) June 21, 2023
Over the years, the investigation has seen several warrants carried out, which has also led to a number of people being questioned in custody, as well as the seizure of mobile phones for forensic analysis, but police say “more is needed to bring justice” to the families of Junior and Cheriff after they’ve suffered such immense heartbreak.
This is why GMP say a £50,000 reward has been made available for anyone who can provide any further details that can “lead to the successful conviction of the killer”.
Despite the time passed, GMP says it remains “committed” to investigating the murder and speaking to more witnesses as it says “answers still lie within the community”.
“Our focus is to obtain this key evidence so that we can convict the person responsible for the murders,” Detective Chief Inspector and Senior Investigating Officer, Neil Higginson, said on the ongoing investigation.
GMP offers £50,000 reward for ‘key information’ that leads to finding Moss Side shooter / Credit: pxfuel
“I understand that people can be reluctant to come forward in this type of case, for a variety of reasons, but I ask that you do so. Please see it that you will be helping the families who are desperate for justice. I or my team will meet you at any time or place. Please allow us the opportunity to talk through what support we can provide you to increase your confidence in us.
“I can also say that we can now offer a £50,000 reward to anyone who can assist with giving us key information which leads to the successful conviction of those responsible.
“Please if you know something, however small you think it may be, get in touch – it’s not too late.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact GMP in confidence on 0161 856 0110, quoting incident number 221 of 21/06/20, or alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Any pictures, videos, or other information can also be uploaded anonymously to the Major Incident Public Portal under ‘Operation Tarnbrook’ here.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Government to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16
Emily Sergeant
The Government is to consult on banning the sale of ‘high-caffeine’ energy drinks to children under the age of 16.
Currently, it’s thought that around 100,000 children consume at least one high caffeine energy drink every day, and there is said to be ‘growing evidence’ that links these drinks to harmful effects on children – including things like disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, poor concentration, and reduced educational outcomes.
So, in a bid to ‘boost kids’ health’, both physical and mental, plans set out today will stop retailers from selling the drinks to those under 16.
The Government believes this move could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and deliver health benefits worth tens of millions of pounds.
The proposal would make it illegal to sell high-caffeine energy drinks containing more than 150mg of caffeine per litre to anyone aged under 16 years across all retailers – including online, in shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines.
The proposals would not affect lower-caffeine soft drinks nor tea and coffee.
Government to ban the sale of energy drinks to children under 16 / Credit: NeedPic
Many major retailers already voluntarily restrict sales, but research suggests that some smaller convenience stores continue selling to children.
Leaders and ministers say early intervention is ‘crucial’ if they are to deliver on their pledge to create the healthiest generation of children ever.
The move to ban energy drinks for under 16s is backed by parents, teachers, and also teaching unions who report on pupils being unable to concentrate and focus because of them, and even so far as to negatively affecting grades and academic performance.
Acting now to improve children’s wellbeing will not only help give them the best start in life and prevent them from a lifetime of poor health, the Government claims, but also deliver tens of millions of pounds of health benefits, as well as future savings for the NHS and increased economic productivity.
The proposal aims to boost kids’ health, both physically and mentally / Credit: Pexels
“How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of four cans of cola in their system on a daily basis?” commented Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting.
“Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration, and wellbeing of today’s kids are all being impacted, while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity
“As part of our Plan for Change and shift from treatment to prevention, we’re acting on the concerns of parents and teachers and tackling the root causes of poor health and educational attainment head on.
“By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we’re helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come.”
Featured Image – Jorge Franganillo (via Flickr)
News
A FREE week-long event dedicated to Japan is coming to Manchester
Thomas Melia
An event dedicated to the East Asian country of Japan is making its way to Manchester city centre this month.
Simply titled ‘Japan Week’, this cultural ceremony aims to package up all the things this East Asian country has to offer, such as music and theatre, compiling them into a fantastic five-day showcase.
Taking place this weekend and based over in the ever-flourishing First Street complex – which will serve as the main hub – the festival is open to all.
We love anything that shows off just how multicultural this city is.
On Friday, 5 September, from 3-5pm, you can watch the Japan Week opening ceremony, which is taking place on an outdoor stage at First Street with the running order including dance acts and even ceremonial-style samurai performances.
With so many artistic events and cultural dates taking place in the growing mini-district that is First St (including Jack Rosenthal Street and Tony Wilson Place), it’s the perfect site for this month’s showcase.
This opening procedure is actually called ‘Kagami Biraki’, and if you attend on the day, you’ll be able to see the traditional opening of the sake barrel, which symbolises unlocking good fortune and the spirit of celebration.
Japan Week is coming to First Street in the city centre from Thursday, 4 September to Tuesday, 9 September, and, perhaps best of all, there are absolutely no tickets required.
More events on the Japan Week 2025 programme will also be taking place at other venues too.
Yes, as the goal of the festivities is to spread awareness and celebrate Japanese heritage and its connection to Manchester, the event is completely FREE – as it should be.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd June 2023 
