London shootings: Met Police arrest 30-year-old man in connection with drive-by killing of Tanesha Melbourne

Authorities appealing for more information on teenager’s death after spate of murders in capital

A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of Tanesha Melbourne who was gunned down in north London.

The 17-year-old was killed in a drive-by attack as she sat chatting with friends in Tottenham on Monday.

The killing shocked the capital, which has seen a wave of violent crime with the number of suspected murders in March higher than that of New York.

Scotland Yard said that a man had been arrested in Hackney, east London, on suspicion of murder.

Paramedics battled for an hour to save Tanesha’s life but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her mother arrived at the scene before paramedics and watched as they tried to save her life. Neighbours and friends described her as “a good girl” and “lovely” member of the community.

Just half an hour later, 16-year-old Amaan Shakoor was shot in Walthamstow and died in hospital the following day.

Officers said they are keeping an open mind about the attack and at this stage there has been no suggestion that the two killings are linked.

Detective Inspector Beverley Kofi, of the Met’s homicide and major crime command, said: “We are appealing to anybody who witnessed the incident and has not yet come forward, or who in the hours since this shocking murder are privy to information that could help us find those responsible.

“You may be fearful of repercussions of speaking to police, or have loyalties that you believe can’t be compromised. We are dealing with the fatal shooting of a teenage girl, and would implore you to do the right thing and come forward.”

It emerged this week that London’s Metropolitan Police has opened 55 murder investigations this year – and there were six non-fatal stabbings on Thursday night into Friday morning in the capital.

PA