Police Arrest Man Over Moss Side Double Murder Investigation

A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after two men were shot dead at a party in Moss Side, Manchester, in June 2020. Greater Manchester Police said the suspect was detained in Turkey and returned to England on Saturday.

Police said the arrest relates to the deaths of Cheriff Tall, 21, and Abayomi "Junior" Ajose, 36, who were killed in a car park off Caythorpe Street shortly before 01:00 BST on 21 June 2020.

Greater Manchester Police said Tall and Ajose, who did not know each other, were both shot in the head. The force estimated that between 300 and 400 people were present at the lockdown party.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson from the force's major incident team said the arrest was part of a long-running investigation into the killings.

"This arrest demonstrates our unwavering commitment to securing justice for Junior and Cheriff and their loved ones." said Neil Higginson, Detective Chief Inspector.

Higginson said officers had continued gathering evidence and pursuing possible leads during the six years since the shootings.

"Over the last six years, myself and my officers have been carrying out multiple warrants, analysing evidence, examining devices that have been seized during the investigation and pursuing every opportunity to identify those responsible," said Neil Higginson, Detective Chief Inspector.

At an inquest in 2024, Manchester Area Coroner Zak Golombek recorded unlawful killing verdicts for both victims and appealed for witnesses to assist the investigation.

"These were senseless acts of violence against two innocent individuals." said Zak Golombek, Manchester Area Coroner.

Greater Manchester Police said the suspect was met by officers at Stansted Airport after being transported back to England and remains in custody.

"The suspect - a man aged 36 – was detained in Turkey and was transported back to England on Saturday (October 10 2026), where he was met at Stansted Airport by Greater Manchester Police officers. He currently remains in custody." said Greater Manchester Police.

The force said it continues to seek information about the killings and that a £50,000 reward remains available for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of those responsible.

"Despite six years passing, our commitment to finding who is responsible for Junior’s and Cheriff’s deaths has never wavered, and Saturday’s arrest marks a significant step in our efforts." said Greater Manchester Police.