Police Hunt Gunman After Burnt-Out Vauxhall Meriva Linked to Teen’s Murder
Detectives are on the trail of a gunman after a burnt-out Vauxhall Meriva was found in connection with the tragic shooting of 17-year-old Tanesha Melbourne-Blake in Tottenham. Forensic tests have revealed the same handgun used to kill Tanesha was also behind another fatal shooting.
Same Gun Linked to Two Murders
Police confirmed the firearm that killed Tanesha was also used to murder 20-year-old Joseph Williams-Torres in March 2018. Detectives believe this deadly “gun to hire” has been circulating locally for over a year, responsible for at least two deaths and three other crimes.
“Fortunately this very dangerous weapon is now off the streets, but it was likely hired out in the area since May 2017,” said a spokesperson. “There is no direct link between the murders themselves, but the same gun was used.”
Burnt-Out Meriva and Gang Ties
Joseph Williams-Torres died on 14 March 2018 inside a suspiciously parked Vauxhall Meriva with blacked-out rear windows and registration KS56 NKG. It was found under Martlesham House on the Farm Estate. Detectives don’t know where the car was kept or used between late March and Tanesha’s murder on 2 April.
Investigators believe multiple people were inside the Meriva when the fatal shot was fired from the back seats. Tanesha was with friends at the time – none connected to gangs or the vehicle.
Desperate Search for Gunman
The alleged shooter is described as a black male with a unique “slit or two” pattern shaved into his left eyebrow. He wore black clothes and gloves during the attack.
The burnt-out Meriva was discovered at Ludgrove Court, Fordham Road. Several arrests have been made but all suspects have so far been released pending further inquiries:
- 30-year-old man – arrested 6 April 2018, released under investigation
- 18-year-old man – arrested 14 March 2019, released under investigation
- 22-year-old man – arrested 14 March 2019, released under investigation
- 50-year-old man – arrested 25 March 2019, released with no further action
- 26-year-old man – arrested 12 April 2019, released with no further action
Police Plea: Help Find the Killer
Officers are urging anyone with information about the gang car, its movements, or the suspects to come forward. You can report details in the strictest confidence by calling the Tottenham incident room on 020 8358 0100.
