Appeal following the 6th anniversary of the murder of Yusuf Sonko

Detectives and the family of Yusef Sonko who was fatally shot in Toxteth are continuing to appeal for information six years after his death.

Yusuf Sonko was found injured on Tagus Street in Toxteth at the back of the shops on Lodge Lane, at around 8.30pm on Friday, 2 June 2017. He was taken to hospital where he was sadly pronounced dead. 

A post-mortem examination later found he died from a single gunshot wound to the head.

So far eight men have been arrested and remain under investigation. One man also voluntarily attended for interview in connection with the incident.

The independent charity Crimestoppers is supporting the police by offering a reward of up to £20,000 for anonymous information they exclusively receive that leads  to the conviction of those responsible for Yusuf’s death.  Crimestoppers is independent of the police. They cannot trace calls or track IP addresses. 

Detective Inspector Sarah Wilkinson said: “The devastation caused by the cold-blooded murder of Yusef is still overwhelming for his family six years on today.

“So far eight arrests have been made and our investigation into Yusef’s death remains open with a new £20,000 reward from charity Crimestoppers in place until the gunman is found and brought to justice.

“Our detectives remain convinced there are people living in L8 and beyond who hold vital information that will help us find anyone responsible for Yusef’s death.

“We will review any information you share with us so please contact us immediately if you have anything that could help us bring justice for Yusef’s family.

“If you heard anything, witnessed the shooting on Friday, 2 June 2017, and saw groups of young males running in the Lodge Lane area just before 8.30pm on the night, or saw two males on pedal bikes in the area before or after, please get in touch.

“Any information passed on to us will be handled with care and sensitivity, and we can put significant measures in place to protect those brave enough to come forward.

“Our detectives will fully assess your information and do all we can to trace any suspects.

“Please help us give Yusef’s family the answers they deserve after six heart-breaking years by reporting any information about that night, no matter how small, to police.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, was in the area at the time, or has any information is urged to contact us via 101, our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter. 

Alternatively, to stay completely anonymous and be eligible for a reward, contact independent charity Crimestoppers online and fill in their simple and secure anonymous online form. The charity’s UK Contact Centre is open 24/7 on freephone 0800 555 111 where you can speak to one of their specially trained call agents. 

Gary Murray, North West Regional Manager at charity Crimestoppers, said: “The family and friends of Yusef deserve and need to see justice. We know that talking about crime – when you know something important – can be difficult and that some people prefer not to speak directly with the police. 

“Please remember that with Crimestoppers, our charity guarantees total anonymity – no police, no courts, no witness statements. Let us know and we’ll pass it on for you. 

“With Crimestoppers, there’s no comeback and you’ll be helping to make a positive difference.”

For any information on the murder of Yusuf Sonko contact Crimestoppers anonymously here.