Man released in New Year shootings probe

A 19-year-old man arrested in connection with the murder of two teenage friends who were gunned down outside a New Year party was today released pending further inquiries.

West Midlands Police said the man, from Smethwick, had been granted police bail by detectives probing the deaths of Birmingham art students Charlene Ellis, 18, and Letisha Shakespeare, 17.

A force spokesman said: "The 19-year-old man held in connection with the Aston shootings in January has been released on police bail. Our inquiries into the incident continue."

Det Supt Dave Mirfield, leading the hunt for the killers, said: "I once again urge people to come forward who may be withholding vital information.

"There is still a fear among some of those who witnessed this horrific act to speak to my team."

Mr Mirfield stressed that anyone with information would able to speak to him personally if they wished and would not be put under any pressure.

Letisha and Charlene were with two other teenagers who were injured by the hail of automatic gunfire at the back of a hairdressers salon in Aston, Birmingham, early on January 2.

They were among a group of revellers who had stepped outside for some fresh air.

Three other men have previously been arrested and subsequently released, but no one has yet been charged with the girls' murders.

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