Who killed Junaid?

Junaid Khan . . . gunned down a year ago

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One year on, father in appeal over son’s murder

THE grieving father of Junaid Khan is launching a fresh appeal to find his son’s killer a year to the day of his death.

The 21-year-old, of Cotton Mill Crescent, Werneth, was gunned down in cold blood in the early hours of July 9 last year.

The former South Chadderton school pupil was shot 17 times in the car park of a doctor’s surgery in Block Lane, Chadderton.

A year on and, while the police investigation is ongoing, there have been no arrests in connection with the murder.

His father, Mumtaz Khan (61), who changed the name of his Lincoln Street shop in Werneth from MK General Store to Junaid General Store in honour of his son, said: “I can’t explain how much I miss Junaid, the past 12 months have gone so quick.

“Junaid’s hand-written signs are still up in the shop so wherever I turn there are memories of him.

“I’m a heart patient and he used to look after me.”

On the first anniversary of his son’s death, Mr Khan is holding a gathering tonight in memory of Junaid for friends and family, all members of the community and representatives of Greater Manchester.

Tributes to Junaid will be paid by family members and friends and an appeal for information made.

Mr Khan said: “I’m very surprised that 12 months have gone by and we are no closer to finding who did this. I can’t believe the police haven’t found the killer yet.

“For someone to kill a person and get away with it, it’s not acceptable.

“I’m hoping that the gathering will help people remember that night and encourage them to come forward.”

Junaid’s sister Raheela Mumtaz said: “We are begging people to come forward and give us information. We just want closure to the constant pain we are going through.”

Police want to hear from anyone with information, specifically about a silver Mitsubishi Shogun which had been stolen in West Yorkshire on May 30 last year.

The 4x4 was found on fire in a car park near the junction of Fold Green and Broadway, Chadderton. A partial registration plate — DG03 — was found near the vehicle.

Det Chief Insp Harry Harrison, from the Major Incident Team, said: “Junaid was gunned down in a horrific attack and it is vital that we work with the community to find the people responsible.

“We ask anyone who may have information to come forward and speak to us in confidence.

“We still believe the answers to this murder lie in the community. We are still, for example, interested in speaking to anyone who saw the silver 4x4 on that Wednesday night.

“I know a number of people went to the car park following the shooting and I would urge them or anyone else who has any information to speak to police if they haven’t done already.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3691 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.

Tonight’s gathering in memory of Junaid takes place at the Derby Street Mosque at 7pm, when recitations of the Koran will be heard, followed by a gathering at Christ Church Parish Hall, Block Lane, Chadderton.