PC shooting suspects ‘could leave the country’

Police hunting for two suspects in connection with the shooting of PC Sharon Beshenivsky have warned that they may try to leave the country.

Detective Superintendent Andy Brennan from West Yorkshire Police said: “I cannot stress enough how important it is that we trace Muzzaker Imtiaz Shah and Mustaf Jama.

"It is highly probable that these men will try to leave the country.”

Det Supt Brennan said that police were working with Customs and Excise, the Immigration Service and staff at airports, ports, ferry terminals and railway stations.

All ports alerts were issued when the suspects were first identified and their details have been circulated to police forces across the country.

Det Supt Brennan said that anyone attempting to assist the suspects to leave the country would face prosecution. He said it was “highly likely” that there were people who knew the suspects' exact whereabouts and appealed for them to come forward. He said: "Likewise if you see these men, ring us. Have you noticed suspicious activity at a neighbour’s flat or house in the last two weeks? Could someone be hiding there? If so, ring us now.”

Police said they believed Mr Jama and Mr Shah had links with Sheffield, Birmingham, Coventry and Leicester, although they have not ruled out the fact that the men could be anywhere in the country.

Mr Shah, who is also known by the street name of ‘Pesci’ or ‘P’, is last known to have lived in Kenton, Middlesex. Police said that there is a “strong possibility” that he may still be in London.

Hundreds of posters were being distributed to ports, airports and stations across the country, requesting the public’s help in tracing the men.

The reward being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of PC Beshenivsky’s killers has also been increased to £90,000. Crimestoppers announced that it was offering a £50,000 reward at the start of the week and ‘The Sun’ newspaper has now offered £20,000, while Bradford-based business, Greenwood’s Menswear, has offered another £20,000.

PC Beshenivsky was shot dead by armed robbers as she attended a call at a travel agency in Bradford. Her colleague, PC Theresa Milburn, was shot in the shoulder during the incident.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on: 01274 373700 or Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.

(KMcA/SP)