Murder Without Motive: The Tipu Sultan Case
It's 7 years today since the dad of two was gunned down in South Shields
Today (7th April) marks exactly seven years since Tipu Sultan was gunned down at his business in South Shields.
At the time the community were in complete shock. The 32 year old takeaway owner was well loved.
We were at the scene and spoke to Victoria Chisholm from the Lake Pub next door to the Herbs and Spice Kitchen.
She was a friend of Tipu and was very distressed by what happened.
Through extensive investigation and trawling through CCTV, Northumbria Police were able to pinpoint the people they believed were responsible for the targeted attack.
Despite that CCTV being released it would still take time before the killers were found.
Tipu's family made emotional appeals asking anyone with any sort of information to come forward.
Tipu was laid to rest shortly after the appeals and the community gathered to pay their respects.
As the police investigation continued 100's of interviews were carried out and the investigation appeared on Crimewatch.
Then a break in the case came in June 2015.
Arrests were made, still though, no motive was clear.
Michael McDougal, 47 (at the time) and Michael Mullen, 24 (at the time) were charged with murder.
In March 2016, almost a year on from Tipu's murder the men were convicted and sentenced.
As it stands 7 years on the family still have never found out just why Tipu was targeted.
Detective Chief Superintendent John Bent works for Cleveland Police now but in 2015 he was with the homicide squad at the Northumbria force.
He was in charge of the investigation and admits the mystery around the motive still plays on his mind.
Northumbria Police are not actively investigating the case but anyone with information is being urged to come forward and help give Tipu's family the closure they need.