Families of two men murdered in Moss Side release emotional tributes

The families of two men who were murdered a year ago today in Moss Side have released heartfelt letters and are continuing to urge the community to come forward with information to assist the police in their efforts to help them find justice.

Detectives from GMP's Major Incident Team launched a major investigation after Cheriff Tall and Abayome (Junior) Ajose were both shot a year ago today (21 June 2020) in Moss Side.

As part of their fight to find justice, the men's families have released heartfelt letters in an effort to share an insight into their loved ones and encourage people to come forward with information.

Junior's children described their father as their "hero" and Cheriff's sister said that he has "inspired" her to become a midwife.

Over the last 12 months, the two families have been trying to come to terms with their loss whilst detectives from GMP have been searching for the answers that their loved ones deserve through a number of enquiries including speaking to over 450 witnesses and knocking on 250 doors.

At around 12.55am on Sunday 21 June 2020, police were called to reports that gun shots had been heard on Caythorpe Street, Moss Side. A short time later, police were made aware that two men - Cheriff Tall and Junior Ajose - had arrived at hospital with gunshot wounds. Tragically both men died.

Since this day, officers have trawled through hundreds of hours of CCTV and mobile phone footage, and carried out nine warrants across a number of different addressed which have resulted in two people being questioned in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Wilkinson, of GMP's Major Investigation Team, said: "I can't even begin to imagine the amount of devastation that these families have had to endure this past year, and although we can never re-unite them with their loved ones, I hope that we can bring to them some sort of solace by ensuring that those responsible face the full consequences of their actions.

"Ever since that catastrophic night, our dedicated team of detectives have been working relentlessly with just as much determination as ever to crack this case and bring this killer to justice. One year on and our investigation remains as dynamic as ever. We will continue to work alongside the community to find those answers we need and build on our case for a successful conviction.

"Although we have spoken to a number of witnesses, we are still missing an important piece of the puzzle and hope that anyone who knows anything and has not yet come forward can find the courage to speak to us. These families have been through so much and deserve to see this criminal pay the price for the destruction and distress he has caused to their lives.

"If you have any information at all, you contact police via our confidential hotline - 0161 856 9908 - which is treated with the strictest confidence. Even the smallest piece of information could prove vital in finding justice for Cheriff and Junior."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 9908, quoting incident number 221 of 21/06/20.

Alternatively reports can be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.