South Shields Shooting: Victim Named
The man shot dead outside a South Shields takeaway has been named by police as 32-year-old Tipu Sultan.
The man shot dead outside a South Shields takeaway has been named by police as 32-year-old Tipu Sultan.
At 9:58pm on Tuesday, April 7, police received a report that a man had been shot at the rear of the Herbs n Spice Kitchen takeaway in Lake Avenue in South Shields.
Police and paramedics attended the scene and Tipu Sultan from Sunderland (originally from Bangladesh), and who worked at the Herbs n Spice Kitchen was found with a single gunshot wound.
He received treatment but was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident happened in the rear lane of Lake Avenue and police believe that two men on a motorbike were involved in the incident.
Witnesses report seeing two men wearing crash helmets and dressed in dark clothing on a motorbike drive into the rear lane in Lake Avenue just before the incident. They were then seen driving away from the area in the direction of Lizard Lane immediately after the shooting.
Anyone who saw the motorbike in the area around the time of the murder is asked to contact police with any information.
Victoria Chisholm is from the Lake Pub right next door to the Herbs n Spice Kitchen. She was a friend of Tipu Sultan.
WARNING: This interview contains some graphic content that could upset listeners.
There is cordon in place at the scene and the area remains closed to the public while enquiries are carried out.
Extra officers are carrying out reassurance patrols in the area speaking to local residents and businesses.
South Tyneside Superintendent Sav Patsalos said: "The investigation into the murder of Tipu Sultan is in its very early stages and we are appealing for anyone with any information that could help us with our enquiries to contact us as soon as possible.
"We are trying to establish the motive behind the incident and a full murder investigation is currently being carried out.
"We believe that this has been an isolated incident and not a random shooting, enquiries are ongoing to establish this.
"Those responsible may have planned the incident in advance of carrying it out and if anyone has seen anything or anyone suspicious in the area at anytime in the past few days then I'd ask them to come forward and speak to us.
"There is nothing to suggest there that is any risk to any other members of the public or any of the communities in South Tyneside and we understand this incident is extremely concerning for local people and that is why we have extra officers down in the Lake Avenue to reassure and speak to the public.
"We are doing everything we can to try and identify those responsible for this attack and I'd urge anyone with any information to contact police straight away."
Anyone who was in the area around the takeaway on Tuesday night and who might have 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.