Four Years On: Detectives appeal for information on 2017 murder of Yusuf Sonko in Toxteth

Today (Wednesday 2 June 2021), we are continuing to appeal for information into the fatal shooting of teenager Yusuf Sonko, four years after his death in Toxteth.

At around 8.30pm on Friday, 2 June 2017, a report was received of a man being found injured on Tagus Street, at the back of the shops on Lodge Lane. Emergency services arrived at the scene and found 18-year-old Yusuf. Yusuf was taken to hospital where he sadly died a short while later.

Our Community Policing officers will be in the area today to provide a high-visibility presence and to speak to residents and businesses, and we’re urging anyone who holds information to come forward, either directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

A number of men have been arrested and remain under investigation in connection with the murder.

A £20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for Yusuf’s death also remains in place.

Detective Chief Inspector Siobhan Gainer, who is leading the investigation, said: “Four years has now passed since Yusuf’s tragic death, and we’re as determined as ever to see that those responsible are found, and that his family and friends see that justice is done.

“A number of men remain under investigation but we’re convinced that there are people who live in L8 and beyond who hold vital information to progress this investigation. We do understand the worry and fear that people feel when speaking to police, so I want to reiterate that anything passed on is handled with care and sensitivity, and that there are measures can be put in place to protect those brave enough to speak. 

“Murder investigations can sometimes take years to solve, so time is no barrier to our enquiries. In fact, people who felt reluctant to come forward at the time or since may not be in a position to do so. Please do the right thing and help a family desperate for answers.

“We’re still actively appealing for any witnesses to the shooting itself, or those who may have seen groups of young males running in the Lodge Lane area just before 8.30pm on the night, or two males on pedal bikes in the area before or after. Any piece of detail, however small, could be a huge step forward for us all, so please don’t assume what you know is trivial or unimportant. We will make that assessment.”

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, or alternatively leave information anonymously and for free with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, with reference number 0517135977. You can also use their online form anonymously: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online.