'Be brave' and help bring killers of 20-year-old in Telford to justice, urge police

Crimestoppers announced this week that information on the killers could lead to a £10,000 reward, as West Mercia Police continue to appeal for anyone who may know something to “be brave” and come forward, anonymously if they wish.

Tamba grew up in London but was living in Telford at the time of his death last October, said DCI Mark Bellamy of West Mercia Police.

He was shot at the Bridges Business Park at about midday on October 13 and died from his injuries.

Sixteen people have now been arrested in the course of the investigation, including a 19-year-old man from Tipton, but nobody has yet been charged.

DCI Bellamy told the Shropshire Star that officers are sure at least three people were involved in the killing itself, though they could have been supported by others.

“There is a spread of suspects, from Southampton right to Carlisle – a mix of men and women aged from their late teens into their 20s.

“We’re talking about a very decent family who raised Tamba in a loving and Christian household.

“They’re hardworking people... Tamba was a kind and loving person. His murder has had a dramatic impact on his family.

“We are optimistic that there are people out there that have got information in relation to his murder.

"I want to use the incentive from Crimestoppers to encourage them to come forward. I’m asking them to be brave and to consider the family, and to get in touch with Crimestoppers.

“They can do that anonymously, their details won’t be shared with the police.”

He said that one theory being explored is that the murder might have been a “revenge killing”, after Tamba was found not guilty of murder in a 2017 trial. The jury in the case accepted that he acted in self-defence in an incident earlier that year.

Several vehicles are thought to have been used by the killers and those who helped them on the day, including a grey Skoda which was found burned out near the Wrekin. It is believed the killers then left the scene of the fire in an Audi and headed to Scotland.

DCI Bellamy said: “We’ve been working alongside several police forces throughout... I’m really grateful for their help and assistance.

“Tamba did come to live in Telford but I want to reassure the communities of Telford I don’t believe the offenders are from Telford.

“I’m saying there are at least three people involved in the actual killing... I’m also considering that this murder was planned for at least a month.

“They needed support to carry out their plans, a lot of organisation and planning has gone into it.”

While no weapon has yet been recovered, forensic analysis of bullet cartridges has revealed that the weapon used to kill Tamba was a self-loading pistol.

DCI Bellamy said that police were grateful for the cooperation already shown by those who had provided information, but urged anyone else with knowledge to come forward.

In addition to the Skoda, information on anybody connected with the following vehicles is also required: a white Toyota IQ, AO59 UOX; a grey T-Cross, GK20 FXR; a black Audi A5, SE14 VBO; a white BMW 320D, YT63 HGG and a grey Jaguar, OV19 WMF.

To contact Crimestoppers anonymously, call 0800555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Dial 101 to report information to police.