A FATAL shooting of an 18-year-old in 2021 in Leyton has led police to renew their appeals for witnesses to come forward, even offering a £20,000 award in their efforts. 

Alex Ajanaku was murdered on the Beaumont Estate, east London, in the early hours of Wednesday, September 1, 2021.

Detective Sergeant Fenton Davis, from the Specialist Crime Command, said that four arrests have been made as part of their ongoing investigations, but they have yet to identify who was responsible for taking Alex’s life.

He said: “We believe that Alex was at a music event on the estate the previous evening and a large number of people would have been there. Did you see anything that could help his trace his murderer? Any piece of information could prove vital in providing Alex’s family with the answers they need.

“Please do the right thing and call us. A reward remains in place.”

A murder investigation was launched after police were called at about 1:25 am 1 September 2021 to reports that Alex had been fatally shot following an unlicensed music event on the Beaumont Estate.

Although most of those who had attended the event had left, a small group remained and were sitting on a bench when the shots were fired.

The vehicle that is believed to have been used to commit the murder was a black Kia Sportage and had been stolen from Chingford shortly before midnight on 16 August 2021. 

On 3 September 2021, it was found abandoned and fire-damaged in Walthamstow. 

The Metropolitan Police are still offering an award of up to £20,000 for information that could help identify Alex’s murderer.

In a heartbreaking statement, Alex’s mum said: “My life was completely devastated by Alex’s murder. I loved him so much and miss him every day.

“It has been more than two years since he was killed and nobody has been brought to justice for his murder.

“I want to appeal to anyone who has any information about what happened or who is responsible for Alex’s death to come forward and talk to police.”

Anyone with information should call the incident room directly on 020 8345 3775 or via 101. They can also tweet @MetCC.

To remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.