Camden News - by PAUL KEILTHY Published: 5 June 2008
Police launch hunt for killers who shot teen
MURDER detectives revisited an alley overlooking Regent’s Canal on Saturday in a bid to find the killers of a 17-year-old who died after being shot in the head. Sharma’arke Hassan, 17, was shot in Gilbey’s Yard, off Oval Road, at 10.50pm on Saturday, May 24.
He died at the Royal Free Hospital last Wednesday. An inquest was opened at St Pancras Coroner’s Court on Monday, and a post mortem gave his cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested on Thursday in connection with the inquiry and released on bail after questioning.
Det Insp Dave Rock, from the Met’s specialist Trident team, said yesterday (Wednesday): “This shooting took place in a street very close to Camden High Street. “We are aware that a witness who has been quoted in the media has not yet come forward to police. “Anyone with any information should contact the police – they may have vital information that can help the investigating team piece together the events of that night and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.”
Camden Council leaders have called meetings with prominent members of the Somali community to discuss the shooting.
Leader Keith Moffitt expressed the council’s sympathies to the family and defended the Town Hall against charges that cuts to youth services had increased the risk of crime.
He said: “We are committed to supporting and helping the local community after these awful events and are working in close partnership with the police, schools and youth services to tackle the issues head on.”