Families plead for justice a year on from fatal shootings at a party in Moss Side

The families of two men who were murdered a year ago today in Moss Side are pleading for the community to come forward with any information to assist the police in their efforts to help them find justice.

Cheriff Tall and Abayome (Junior) Ajose were both shot at a party on Caythorpe Street in Moss Side. The two men later died in Hospital.

Cheriff had a disagreement with a man and Junior stepped in to calm things down. They were then both shot in the head by the man.

As part of the fight for 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 him as their "hero" and Cheriff's sister said that he has "inspired" her to become a midwife.

Junior worked with a many disadvantaged children and their families as a residential worker in children’s homes across Manchester. Some of those he helped wrote their own tributes following his death.

Val Jenkinson, Abayomi's manager on behalf of Edge of Care team, said: “We lost a colleague and friend when we lost Abe last year. He was honest, reliable and a hugely caring person.

“Abe was never afraid to offer support to us all whether that was our children, his colleagues, or friends. He had a strong but calm presence, he lit up the room with his lovely big smile, he was thoughtful, always calm and had a great sense of humour."

Cllr Garry Bridges, Manchester City Council’s executive member for children’s services, said: “Abayomi was in many ways the best of us. Without the likes of him there would be countless young people in Manchester who would not have the support they need to thrive and succeed, someone who sees their potential and encourages them to meet it."

Over the last 12 months, the two families have been trying to come to terms with their loss whilst detectives from Greater Manchester Police continue to search for the answers that their loved ones deserve.

Police have conducted a number of enquiries including speaking to over 450 witnesses and knocking on 250 doors.

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

If anyone has any information at all, you can contact police via their 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.

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