Birmingham drive-by shooting: Victim named as father of four
A man killed in a 'horrific' drive-by shooting has today been named as Mekel Sterling.
The 36-year-old was shot down on Great Hampton Row, Hockley, Birmingham, just after 9.30pm on Wednesday and died in hospital a short while later.
His family have today paid tribute to the father of four, saying: “Our son and brother was a lovely man and was loved by all. We will miss his beautiful soul and smile.”
Detectives are continuing to search for Mr Mekel's killer, with forensic searches taking place outside shops on Great Hampton Row and footage from CCTV being trawled.
Detective chief inspector Edward Foster, from West Midlands Police's homicide team, said: “My team is working around the clock to trace who is responsible for this horrific murder.
“We have taken several statements, but I still need to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious.
“Mekel’s family are understandably devastated by his death and we have specialist officers supporting them through this dreadful time.”
Local neighbourhood police have stepped up patrols in the wake of the shooting and anyone who has concerns should approach officers if they see them out and about or call their local team.
The murder happened just the day before the force announced a two week firearms surrender.
Detective Chief Inspector Rich Agar urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of firearms to support the surrender.
He said: "The laws on illegal firearms have recently been toughened up and anyone found in possession of a gun can now be jailed for five years.
"Past experience tells us there will be people who, out of misguided loyalty, are storing guns for partners, relatives or friends. They are risking time behind bars, even if they have no intention of using the gun themselves; they need to contact us during the window of this surrender before it’s too late.
"We can make arrangements to discreetly collect firearms so I’d urge people to get in touch.”
If you suspect anyone to be involved in illegal firearms call West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
