Detectives appeal for five potential murder witnesses to come forward

Five new potential witnesses to a shooting are being sought by Greater Manchester Police.

Cheriff Tall and Junior Ajose were both killed when they were shot in a car park off Caythorpe Street in Moss Side shortly after midnight on Sunday June 21, 2020.

Under Operation Tarnbrook, a dedicated team of detectives still need vital evidence to apprehend the outstanding suspect who used the firearm.

New potential witnesses (all pictured) have now been identified from mobile phone footage.

These five people are NOT connected in any way to the murder of Cheriff and Junior.

But detectives are keen to speak to them as they believe they have potential information that could help with their detailed enquiries.

A £50,000 reward, launched in June 2023 on the third anniversary, for key information that leads to the discovery and conviction of the killer remains available as detectives are focused on tirelessly piecing together evidence to bring the offender to justice.

GMP believes that more witnesses as well as answers do still lie within the community, as around 300-400 people were present at the time.

Detective chief inspector and senior investigating officer, Neil Higginson, said: “I once again want to appeal to the public in Manchester, in particular to these five people as we believe they are witnesses to what happened on that night. I want to make it clear though they are not connected in any way to the murder of Cheriff and Junior.”

Tragic circumstances

He said that they had reviewed hours of footage, carried out several warrants and spoken to several people about this incident, but that more is still needed to bring justice to their families after they continue to suffer immense heartbreak.

He added: “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.”

Information needed

Anyone with information, however small or insignificant it may seem, should contact GMP in confidence on 0161 856 2035, quoting incident number 221 of 21/06/20.

Information, including pictures and videos, can also be uploaded anonymously to the Major Incident Public Portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP20S30-PO1