Man quizzed over party murders

Detectives are questioning a 24-year-old man arrested in connection with the murders of two teenage girls.

The girls were shot dead outside a party to celebrate New Year.

West Midlands Police said the suspect was detained in the region yesterday following the deaths of art students Charlene Ellis, 18, and Letisha Shakespeare, 17, from Birmingham.

The force also disclosed that officers had last month arrested a 22-year-old man from Essex, who was released on bail pending further inquiries.

The shootings took place at the rear of a hairdresser's salon which was hosting the party in the Aston area of Birmingham on January 2.

A police spokeswoman said details of the Essex suspect's arrest on January 16 were not made public before today due to concerns about his safety.

A third man, understood to be Charlene's brother Marcus Ellis, 23, was arrested on January 13 and released on police bail the following day.

No one has been charged with the murders of the two friends. Charlene's twin sister Sophie and the twins' cousin, Cheryl Shaw, 17, were also injured in the incident.

Detective Superintendent Dave Mirfield, who is leading the investigation, said:

"We wish to reassure the community that the inquiry team is still working at full capacity and my officers remain determined to trace those responsible. I am confident we will do so."

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