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.
ADVERTISEMENT
This is why the pictures of the five “potential witnesses” have now been released.
#APPEAL | Detectives are continuing to investigate a shooting that sadly took the lives of Cheriff Tall and Junior Ajose in June 2020 off Caythorpe Street in #MossSide.
Five potential witnesses have now been identified from mobile phone footage.
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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.
Police urge five ‘potential witnesses’ to Moss Side double murder shooting to come forward / Credit: GMP
“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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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.
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
Council calls on public to suggest names for new public square in Stretford
Emily Sergeant
The Greater Manchester public is being called on to help name a brand-new public square in the heart of Stretford.
Could we have another ‘Boaty McBoatface’ on our hands? As far as public naming competitions go, the comical suggestion for the name of a new RMS ship back in 2016 – which was then given to a fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) instead – will probably always lead the way as the most well-known entrant.
But now, it’s Greater Manchester‘s turn to give it a go and get creative with their naming suggestions, as Trafford Council inviting the local community to name a brand-new public square that’s set to open in the heart of Stretford next year.
Connecting the newly restored King Street and Pinnington Lane, Trafford Council says the new public square will play “a key part in the transformation of the area” and be a “focal point” for the area – with lots of greenery, seating areas, and spaces to “meet, rest and play” and host events too.
📣Naming the brand new public square in Stretford 🧱
Teaming up with @TraffordCouncil x @Bruntwood_UK, the Stretford town centre team are inviting the Stretford community to name the brand new public square that is set to open next year.
Residents are being encouraged to “put their imprint on the Square” by putting forward their suggestions for its name.
All the entries will be condensed into a shortlist and the public will then vote on their favourite.
With the naming competition fully underway, Trafford residents now have the opportunity to talk to the Stretford town centre team, get creative, and post entries into the voting box that’ll be in place in Stretford Mall up until Sunday 19 May, as well as submit their ideas via the Stretford town centre website.
To come up with their names suggestions, the Council wants residents to take inspiration from these three themes:
Heritage – celebrating the fascinating history embedded into Stretford’s identity
Culture – showcasing the rich and vibrant cultural tapestry that defines the essence of the town and its residents
Community – reflecting the strong sense of unity among Stretford’s residents, making the town a welcoming place to live, work, and socialise.
After submissions are closed, the Stretford town centre forum will then decide on three entries that “best represent the area” and have made best use of the inspiration topics to go to the public vote for the final decision.
A town centre polling station will be open for residents to cast their votes in person, or they can do so online via both a Google form or a range of social media polls.
The public vote will officially close on Sunday 16 June, and the unveiling ceremony will take place at The StretFest on Saturday 6 July, where the winner and name of the new public square will be announced.
Fancy shooting a suggestion then? Find out more on the Stretford Town Centre website here.
Featured Image – STC / Bruntwood
News
Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
It’s with great sadness that I note the death of Bernard Hill. We worked together in John Paul George Ringo and Bert, Willy Russell marvellous show 1974-1975. A really marvellous actor. It was a privilege to have crossed paths with him. RIP Benny x#bernardhillpic.twitter.com/UPVDCo3ut8
Some images bring back a glut of memories and emotions. There are times when it feels like we are all just a pay day away from this. Surely one of the most powerful tv performances ever.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Emily Sergeant -
10th January 2024 
