Detectives investigating 2021 fatal shooting of Alex Ajanaku in Leyton renew appeals for help

Detectives investigating a fatal shooting in Leyton in 2021 are renewing appeals for witnesses to come forward.

Alex Ajanaku, who was 18 years old, was murdered on the Beaumont Estate, E10 in the early hours of Wednesday, 1 September 2021.

Detective Sergeant Fenton Davis, from the Specialist Crime Command, said: “Although we have made four arrests as part of our investigation, we still need your help to identify who was responsible for taking Alex’s life.

“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 things and call us. A reward remains in place.”

A murder investigation was launched after police were called at about 01:25hrs on 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. It 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, E17.

A reward of up to £20,000 continues to be offered by the Met for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person(s) responsible for Alex’s murder.

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.