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Police urge five ‘potential witnesses’ to Moss Side double murder shooting to come forward

Emily Sergeant - 10th January 2024

Detectives have identified five potential witnesses to a double murder shooting that took place in Moss Side back in 2020.

Coming up to three and half years since the fatal double shooting in Moss Side that claimed the lives of both 36-year-old Junior Ajose and 21-year-old Cheriff Tall back in June 2020, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has released pictures of five people who they believe could have potentially witnessed the horrific incident.

A dedicated team of detectives have been working 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.

The double shooting occurred after a community event in the Moss Side area of Manchester, and according to GMP, it’s believed there were between 300-400 people present at the time.

But despite detectives having worked “tirelessly” to investigate the incident since it occurred, and despite several appeals to the public – including one with a £50,000 reward on the third anniversary last June – they still haven’t been able to gather the vital evidence needed to track-down and apprehend the suspect who used the firearm.

This is why the pictures of the five “potential witnesses” have now been released.

GMP says it’s important to make it clear that these five people – who have been identified from mobile phone footage provided – are “not connected in any way to the murder” of Cheriff and Junior, but it’s just that detectives are keen to speak to them as they believe they have potential information that could help with their detailed enquiries.

“Over the three years since Cheriff and Junior’s lives were taken in tragic and upsetting circumstances, we have reviewed hours of footage, carried out several warrants and spoken to several people about this incident,” explained DCI Neil Higginson, who is one of the Senior Investigating Officer’s of the case at GMP.

“But more is still needed to bring justice to their families after they continue to suffer immense heartbreak.

“We have a good understanding of what occurred that night and we do have an outstanding suspect, but we need more evidence. We know most people who were present were there to enjoy themselves and not cause trouble, so we are certain that they will have vital detail that can help in our investigation in the events leading up to, during or after the murder.

“Our focus is to obtain this key evidence so that we can convict the person responsible for the murders.

“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 as we can provide the relevant support needed as it’s not too late to do the right thing.”

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.

Read more:

• GMP offers £50,000 reward for ‘key information’ that leads to finding Moss Side shooter
• Tameside man arrested on suspicion of kidnap after car is stolen with elderly woman still in passenger seat
• Government pledges to crack down on ‘rogue’ social housing landlords as part of Awaab’s Law

Any pictures, videos, or other information can also be uploaded anonymously to the Major Incident Public Portal under ‘Operation Tarnbrook’ here.

Featured Image – GMP