Yusuf Sonko : Toxteth community urged to speak out 4 years after murder
The 18 year old was found with fatal gunshot wounds at the back of the shops on Lodge Lane in 2017
Four years after the murder of a Toxteth teenager - Police are urging the community to come forward to help his grieving family find some closure.
At around 8.30pm on Friday, 2 June 2017, a report was received of a man being found injured on Tagus Street, at the back of the shops on Lodge Lane. Emergency services arrived at the scene and found 18-year-old Yusuf Sonko.
Yusuf was taken to hospital where he sadly died a short while later.
Community Policing officers will be in the area today to provide a high-visibility presence and to speak to residents and businesses, and we’re urging anyone who holds information to come forward, either directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
A number of men have been arrested and remain under investigation in connection with the murder.
A £20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for Yusuf’s death also remains in place.
Detective Chief Inspector Siobhan Gainer, who is leading the investigation, said: “Four years has now passed since Yusuf’s tragic death, and we’re as determined as ever to see that those responsible are found, and that his family and friends see that justice is done.
“A number of men remain under investigation but we’re convinced that there are people who live in L8 and beyond who hold vital information to progress this investigation. We do understand the worry and fear that people feel when speaking to police, so I want to reiterate that anything passed on is handled with care and sensitivity, and that there are measures can be put in place to protect those brave enough to speak.
“Murder investigations can sometimes take years to solve, so time is no barrier to our enquiries. In fact, people who felt reluctant to come forward at the time or since may not be in a position to do so. Please do the right thing and help a family desperate for answers.
“We’re still actively appealing for any witnesses to the shooting itself, or those who may have seen groups of young males running in the Lodge Lane area just before 8.30pm on the night, or two males on pedal bikes in the area before or after. Any piece of detail, however small, could be a huge step forward for us all, so please don’t assume what you know is trivial or unimportant. We will make that assessment.”