Images released of witnesses sought in 2021 Leyton murder

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

As part of this appeal they are issuing images of 20 people who were in the area on the evening before Alex Ajanaku was shot and killed and appealing to them to come forward.

Alex, 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, recently appeared on Crimewatch Live to appeal for witnesses. He 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.

“Alex was at a music event on the estate the previous evening and a large number of people would have been there. At about 23:50hrs on the 31 August 2021 there was an incident on the estate when a moped rider with pillion passenger rode through the event and it caused the crowd to disperse. Did you see this incident? Whilst we do not believe the incident with the moped was the catalyst for Alex’s murder, we want to build up as detailed a picture as possible as to what occurred on the estate that night. Any piece of information could be crucial to the investigation.

“Please do the right thing and call us. A reward of up to £20,000 is on offer for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible for Alex’s murder.”

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. We have released images of 20 people that we want to speak to as witnesses who were on the estate that night and they may have vital information that could help us establish what happened.

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.

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

“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.