East Finchley shooting victims ‘not intended targets’ – BBC News

East Finchley shooting victims ‘not intended targets’ – BBC News


Image copyright Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the killing of a mother-of-nine and her nephew in a shooting at their north London flat say they have not found any evidence to suggest they were the intended victims.

Annie Besala Ekofo, 53, and Bervil Kalikaka-Ekofo, 21, were found dead in East Finchley on Thursday.

Scotland Yard said officers will explore whether anyone else linked to their address could have been a target.

It comes as their family released tributes to the pair.

Police were called to the flat in Elmshurst Crescent by the London Ambulance Service early on Thursday morning.

Four other people, including a child, were also at the property at the time of the incident but were not harmed.

READ  Disney pulls Maui children's costume amid claims it is offensive
Image copyright PA

Officers said they were keeping an open mind as to a motive for the shooting.

Launching a fresh appeal for witnesses, Det Ch Insp Andrew Partridge said: “We have already spoken to a number of people who have come forward and provided useful information.

“Whilst the murders took place early in the morning, I am confident that there would have been people up and about, getting ready for work and school.

“It is possible that someone may have noticed a stranger on the estate, or a vehicle that is not usually there.”

Family statements

He said specially trained detectives were providing support to the “devastated” family.

READ  Pipeline rupture in Alabama threatens fuel shortages across eastern US

Mr Kalikaka-Ekofo, who was studying psychology at the University of West London, was described by his mother Maymie Botamba Chantelle as a “bright, intelligent young man… always caring for those around him”.

“He was always making people laugh,” she said.

“He was very creative and was in love with music, photography and art.”

His father, Patrick Ekofo, said his son “never looked for trouble. He was always the peaceful one”.

Mrs Besala was described by her family as a “wonderful and loving mother and wife, always smiling… a glue that kept everyone together”.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-37399569

Top