Police Hunt Gunman After Burnt-Out Vauxhall Meriva Found in Tottenham
Detectives are on the hunt for a gunman after a burnt-out Vauxhall Meriva was recovered in Tottenham. The weapon used to kill 17-year-old Tanesha Melbourne-Blake has now been linked to another fatal shooting.
Same Gun Used in Two Murders
Forensic tests reveal the handgun that killed Tanesha was also used to murder 20-year-old Joseph Williams-Torres in March 2018. Police believe this ‘gun to hire’ has been lurking on local streets since at least May 2017, involved in multiple violent crimes.
“There is no suggestion the murders of Tanesha and Joseph are linked in terms of what happened but we know the same gun was used,” a senior officer said. “This very dangerous weapon is now off the streets but caused terror in the area for at least a year, killing two people and being involved in three other crimes.”
Deadly Gun Used in Gang-Linked Shootings
Joseph Williams-Torres was shot dead on 14 March 2018 inside a blacked-out Vauxhall Meriva, registration KS56 NKG, parked under Martlesham House on the 1 Farm Estate. Police believe at least two, possibly more, were inside the vehicle when the fatal shot was fired from the back seat.
Officers are desperate for information about where the Meriva was kept or used between 25 March and Tanesha’s murder on 2 April.
Details on Suspect and Witness Appeal
Tanesha, who was out with friends not connected to gangs or crime, was shot by a black male described as having a distinctive ‘slit or two’ shaved into his left eyebrow. He was dressed entirely in black, including gloves.
The burnt-out Vauxhall Meriva was found at Ludgrove Court on Fordham Road.
Multiple Arrests Made But No Charges Yet
- 30-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder – April 2018, later released under investigation
- 18-year-old man arrested – March 2019, released under investigation
- 22-year-old man arrested – March 2019, released under investigation
- 50-year-old man arrested – March 2019, released without further action
- 26-year-old man arrested – April 2019, released without further action
Police urge anyone with information about these crimes or the whereabouts of the Meriva between late March and early April to come forward. Call the incident room in strict confidence on 020 8358 0100.
