Birthday appeal on fatal shooting

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/manchester/7516084.stm

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Police investigating the shooting of a teenager at a betting shop have made a fresh appeal for witnesses on what would have been his 17th birthday.

Louis Brathwaite was shot at William Hill at Mauldeth Road West in Manchester in January.

He was wounded in his chest, leg and shoulder and died 12 days later.

Det Supt Geoff Wessell, of Greater Manchester police, said: "Louis' death is a poignant and tragic reminder of the fatal consequences of gun crime."

'Still mourning'

The man who shot Louis is described as being about 5ft 8in, and was dressed in dark clothing and with his face covered.

He fired five shots inside the betting shop before fleeing with a second man.

Police want to speak to anyone with information about a black VW Golf, with a registration that is said to be similar to WG07 YXY, or anyone who knows of its current whereabouts to contact them.

Det Supt Geoff Wessell, who is leading the inquiry, said: "Louis was a young lad with his whole life ahead of him.

"Today he should be celebrating his seventeenth birthday with his family, including his brothers and sisters and his friends as well as celebrating his sister's birthday.

"Instead those close to Louis are still mourning his loss.

"Someone knows who is responsible and I would urge anyone who has any information about what happened to address their conscience, do the right thing and come forward and speak to police before another young life is lost."