SHEFFIELD TEEN EXECUTION:: More Than One Type of Bullet

TEEN SHOOTING: Different ammo types found at murder scene

Det Supt Neil Jessop
AMMUNITION from more than one weapon was recovered at the scene where Sheffield teenager Tarek Chaiboub was killed, detectives today revealed. The revelation follows unconfirmed reports the 17-year-old was armed and attempted to fire first at his killer, and comes after witnesses told police of a Wild West-style shoot-out with both the victim and murderer drawing guns.

A handgun was recovered close to where Tarek, from Castledine Gardens, Wincobank, fell outside Frenchie's barber shop in Spital Street, off Spital Hill, Burngreave.

Det Supt Neil Jessop said the firearm was not the shotgun used to kill him.

Click here to see video footage from yesterday's police press conference

Police, who say the teenager was shot a "small number of times" in the back, are still hunting for the murder weapon.

Speaking exclusively to The Star, Det Supt Jessop confirmed: "Different types of ammunition were recovered at the scene."

He added officers could not say whether the weapon found at the scene was Tarek's, or if it had been fired, until forensic tests were complete.

Det Supt Jessop added: "As to whether there was a shoot-out, that's the subject of our investigation. We don't want to speculate."

He also revealed a sinister gang dressed in dark clothing is suspected of carrying out the murder.

"We are seeking three individuals all dressed in dark clothing, with hoods, one with a scarf across his face, who we believe were carrying a firearm," he said.

Following the shooting, Det Supt Jessop said the three ran away up Spital Street.

He added: "Witnesses do not know where they went shortly after leaving that area. There's every possibility these individuals got into a vehicle or some form of transport, or got into one of the houses or flats in that area.

"We would specifically appeal for information about that as part of our inquiry."

A statement read out on behalf of Tarek's father Rashid Chaiboub, 44, revealed his wife was so shocked to hear of her son's death she is now "lying unconscious under medical care" in Syria with the couple's two daughters.

In his statement Mr Chaiboub paid tribute to his son as a "polite, generous and likeable kid, who was very popular among his peers and was truly loved by everyone who knew him".

"Our son was growing up as a self-confident, shining boy with an independent personality which I was proud of," he said.

But Mr Chaiboub added: "I did not realise his destiny was shaping outside of my hands."

He said: "I would like to thank all those who offered their sincere condolences. I urge everyone who knows information to come forward and speak to the police for the sake of justice and the future safety of our kids and communities."

Det Supt Jessop said he was "keeping an open mind" about a motive - but said the murder was not being linked with the stabbing of 23-year-old Brett Blake on Saturday June 7 at Uniq nightclub, or 16-year-old Jonathan Matondo's shooting last year.

All three dead youths are thought to have been involved in the gangland scene.

Tarek's murder has been linked with his earlier stabbing outside his home on Saturday July 5. He had only been discharged from hospital last Wednesday.

Det Supt Jessop said 20 or 30 witnesses have so far come forward and provided leads including names of suspects.

Police have also examined material placed on internet social networking websites - which includes gangster-themed rap songs - and comments by his friends.

A team of 40 officers are carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the area.

Police are also checking CCTV footage in the area - although there were no cameras at Frenchie's.

Sheffield policing commander Chief Supt Paul Broadbent praised the public response to the tragedy. He said: "People are coming forward all the time which I think sets Sheffield apart.

"We are all appalled by what we have witnessed and are having to investigate.

"One man or more cut short the life of a 17-year-old boy. We will find out who has done it.

"If there is a gang issue involved in this incident, that will be pursued to the full extent of the law."

Anyone with information about the murder, at about 1.45pm on Friday, should call 0114 296 4471 or 0114 220 2020.