Camden News - Somali | Gilbeys Yard | Camden Town | Metropolitan Police

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Camden News - by PAUL KEILTHY
Published: 26 June 2008

Police meet Somali leaders as hunt for killers goes on

SENIOR figures from the police and the council met with Somali community leaders on Tuesday as investigations continue into the brutal murder of teenager Sharma’arke Hassan.
No further arrests have been made in connection with the death of the 17-year-old, who was shot in the head in what witnesses describe as an ambush in Gilbey’s Yard, Camden Town. A 16-year-old was arrested and quickly released on May 28.
Members of the Camden Somali Forum met council leader Keith Moffit and the heads of its housing, education, and community safety departments.
Forum chairman Omar Yusuf said: “The problems facing the Somali community have been well known for some time. This was a constructive meeting and we hope that our concerns have been listened to.”
They discussed the need for greater investment in parenting skills, youth provision, and employment opportunities in the Somali community.
Cllr Moffit called the meeting “very successful”.
The killing of Sharma’arke has been linked to gang violence and community leaders initially expected a series of retaliatory attacks to follow.
Police launched additional patrols and have spent hours liaising with community groups and families, according to Supt Paul Morris.
He added: “We were mindful that as it was youth related it might be one group against another group. Everyone is being sensible and letting us get on with the job of investigating this crime.”
Police divers have searched the Regent’s Canal and detectives have scoured CCTV and mobile phone evidence in the hunt for Sharma’arke’s killers and their gun.

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: