Man arrested in Birmingham shooting murder probe freed on bail

Updated

A man arrested on suspicion of murdering a teenager who was shot in a city street has been released after questioning.

West Midlands Police said the 22-year-old suspect was freed on police bail pending further inquiries into the death of Kenichi Phillips.

Mr Phillips, aged 18, was shot as he sat in the back of a black Seat Leon car in the Ladywood area of Birmingham on Thursday.

In a statement released through West Midlands Police, Mr Phillips's father, whose name was not issued by the force, said: "Kenichi was only 18 years old.

"He was a great grandson, a grandson, a cousin, nephew, brother, son and friend who was loved and will not get the chance to see his son born."

Appealing again for information about the shooting in St Marks Crescent, Detective Superintendent Mark Payne said: "This happened in the early evening at a time when people were returning home from work and children may have been playing outside.

"Innocent people going about their daily business could easily have been caught up in this.

"It's shocking, totally unacceptable. We need to get the person responsible, and the weapon they've used, off the streets as soon as possible.

"If anyone saw what happened, or suspects they know who is responsible, please call us so we can take action.

"We understand several people may have been in the area at the time of the shooting or saw the immediate aftermath. They could have vital information so I would ask them to call us in confidence - or they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

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