Police arrest man in New Year shooting probe

Police investigating the murder of two girls gunned down outside a New Year party in Birmingham said today they had arrested a man.

A West Midlands police spokesman said the man, who was in his early 20s, was held yesterday afternoon in connection with the shooting.

Charlene Ellis, 18, and 17-year-old Letisha Shakespeare were shot at a New Year party at a hair salon in Birchfield Road, Aston, Birmingham, while Charlene’s twin, Sophie, and Cheryl Shaw, 17, were wounded.

The girls were cut down in a hail of more than 30 bullets after they, along with around 25 revellers, stepped outside the salon for some fresh air.

The incident, which happened in the early hours of January 2, sent shockwaves through Britain.

“A man in his early 20s was arrested yesterday afternoon in connection with this incident, which resulted in the death of two girls and two others being injured," said a UK police spokesman.

“The man was interviewed last night and he remains in custody at a police station in Birmingham and he will be interviewed again today.”