Warning investigation will 'take time'

3 June 2011, 10:38 | Updated: 3 June 2011, 10:46

Police are warning the massive forensic investigation into the deaths of two teenagers shot in an alleyway will 'take time'.

Thames Valley Police say they've taken more than 200 statements and collected more than 350 pieces of evidence following the double shooting in the Fishermead area of Milton Keynes on Thursday 26 May 2011.

Mohamed Abdi Farah, 19, and Amin Ahmed Ismail, 18, were both shot in the head.  Mohamed Farah died at the scene.  Amin Ismail died in hospital twelve hours later.

Three men arrested in early morning raids in the Fishermead, Springfield and Conniburrow areas of Milton Keynes on Wednesday 1 June 2011 have been released on bail.  A 13 year old boy and two men from the Bletchley area, arrested the day after the shootings, have also been bailed.

Det Supt Rob Mason, leading the investigation, said: "I am aware that the fact we have not charged anyone yet may start to cause frustration within the community. Investigations like this are complex and include a large amount of forensic analysis which inevitably takes time.

"To give people some idea of the scale of the investigation, in less than a week we have taken nearly 200 statements, been contacted by over 200 people and collected in excess of 350 exhibits. We have seized hours of CCTV and are currently undertaking the long process of reviewing the images.

"We continue to have a dedicated team of detectives working around the clock and each and everyone one of us is focused on bringing charges against the person or people responsible.

"I have personally met with the families of both victims and they are being updated on a daily basis and continue to be supported by the Force Family Liaison Officers.

"I am really pleased with the response from the local community but would urge anyone who can assist the investigation to come forward. This can be anonymously via Crimestoppers."

Deputy Local Police Area Commander, Chf Insp Simon Eatwell, added: "The information the investigation team have been getting from the local community has proved invaluable. I want people to continue to feed us any information that could help the investigation.

"I am aware that many people in the Fishermead area are feeling anxious about what has happened. We will continue to provide a high policing presence in the area and will be organising a number of meetings and events where local residents can come and discuss their concerns with us and our partners."