We need better youth facilities in Wolverhampton neighbourhood where two men were shot
"We need more investment in the Wolverhampton neighbourhood where two men were shot," says a former councillor as detectives make public appeal to track down the killer.
Duaine Mills, aged 28, and Syed Zain Ali, aged 32, died after being .shot in Leicester Road in Whitmore Reans at about 3.10am on September 19.
Now former St Peter's ward representative Zahid Shah is calling for talks with city council and police chiefs over action to improve opportunities for young males in the community which is ranked among the most deprived in the UK in response to the deaths.
Both the Council Leader Stephen Simkins and Chief Inspector Richard Evans, of Wolverhampton Police, said ongoing efforts were being made to tackle gun violence in the city.
Mr Shah said: "I knew both these men. They were adults, but no-one deserves to be shot and killed no matter age they are. I am urging the leader of the council and the chief inspector to meet with me to look at what strategies should to be put in place to stop this from happening.
"I am talking about a five-year plan backed by investment in this community to provide activities for young people, such as education projects, sports facilities so there is somewhere for young people to go to active and detached youth provision. Every time someone gets killed money has to be found to open an investigation.
"It is a very sad situation for the families. My condolences to both Syed's and Duaine's families."
In response Councillor Simkins said: "Our initial priority it to support the affected families. We have had direct contact with them. There is work going on in the community with resources including prevention programmes and targeted youth work in Whitmore Reans and across the rest of the city."
"We have been talking to the two mosques in that area. We have been open and transparent. There has been a lot of engagement," he added.
Ch Insp Evans said: “It is absolutely tragic that two men have lost their lives due to gun violence and we are working around the clock to trace who was responsible. We’re continuing to ask for the public’s help to locate Mohammed Maneer Khan, aged 38, who is wanted over the fatal shootings of Duaine Mills, aged 28, and 32-year-old Syed Zain Ali.
“The horrendous loss of their two lives is a tragedy and our officers in Wolverhampton and across the West Midlands are always committed to bringing those who perpetuate gun violence to justice. Our teams work daily with our partners across this city, including the council, to tackle violence and protect our communities from those who cause such harm.
“We’re already running Operation Redfox to crackdown on violence and serious organised crime and that commitment is on-going. This includes officers regularly visiting local schools to educate young people as well as being out on high-visibility patrols in hotspot areas and carrying out weapon sweeps.
“This work goes on, and our communities will still be noticing an increased policing presence in the area. I would ask anyone who is concerned about violence to speak to us, or if you have any information on this case to come forward and report it.”
Detectives said Khan, who is also known as Manny and has links to the Wolverhampton area, should not be approached. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should phone officers on 101 quoting log number 358 of September 19.
