South Shields UD: CCTV Released

Detectives have released CCTV images as part of the ongoing investigation into the murder of Tipu Sultan. At just before 9:58pm on Tuesday, April 7, Tipu Sultan was approached by a man armed with a gun and shot from close range at the rear of the Herbs n Spice Kitchen takeaway in Lake Avenue in South Shields. Police and paramedics were called to the scene however Tipu died as result of single gunshot wound. Two men on a motorbike were seen driving into the rear lane in Lake Avenue just before the incident and seen driving away immediately after the shooting. Officers believe that these two men were responsible for the murder of Tipu Sultan and enquiries are underway to identify and locate them. Footage taken from a CCTV camera in Lizard Lane captured the two men on the motorbike at 9:55pm shortly after the shooting happened. They left the area towards Whitburn and Sunderland. South Tyneside Superintendent Sav Patsalos said: "The CCTV footage shows two men on a motorbike heading down Lizard Lane and towards Whitburn and Sunderland. It was taken in the minutes after Tipu Sultan was shot and we believe that this is the two men who are responsible for his murder leaving the scene. "From the footage you can clearly see the two men on the bike, both are wearing helmets. From the footage we can gauge the size and shape of the motorcycle - which we believe is a large, red, superbike or performance style bike. "We need to speak to anyone who saw these men and this bike before or after the incident. "If anyone was driving on Lizard Lane around 10pm on Tuesday, April 7, and who saw or passed the motorbike - that might well have been driving at a very fast speed - then I'd urge them to contact police with any information that they have, as soon as possible. "Our thoughts continue to be with Tipu's family at this time and I want to reassure them, and the wider public, that we are doing all we can to try and identify those responsible for Tipu's murder." Anyone with any information that could help with enquiries is asked to contact police as soon as possible on 101 ext 69191 quoting reference number 1255 07/04/15. Information can be passed anonymously by ringing Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

CCTV footage of the motorbike driving down Lizard Lane:

 Map identifying the crime scene and the direction we believe the offenders left the scene:

Stills from CCTV footage of motorbike in Lizard Lane: