Police issue gun image on anniversary of Yorkshireman's murder in car

Jasem Asakerh, 28, suffered a fatal gunshot wound to his chest as he sat with four other men in a car parked in Brook Street, Thornton Lodge, Huddersfield, in the early hours of April 3, 2009.

Senior investigating officer Det Supt Steve Payne hopes the latest photograph, which shows part of a shotgun found close to the scene, will encourage people to come forward with fresh information which could provide the key to identifying those responsible.

Det Supt Payne said: "What we do know is that Jasem Asakerh was one of five men in an Audi Q7 which was parked in Brook Street.

"It is believed that a man wearing a hooded top and a face covering approached the Audi at around 3.45am from the side of Thornton Lodge Community Centre.

"He fired at least two shots, one into the vehicle which fatally injured Mr Asakerh, and one into the street. He then made away to the rear of Brook Street towards Moorbottom Road."

Police have already released closed circuit TV footage of the Audi Q7 and its movements around Huddersfield town centre, which has provided some positive leads, but they still need more information.

Det Supt Payne said: "This latest image which we have released shows a section of a shotgun recovered close to the scene on Brook Street.

"The segment of the gun is known as a 'fore end' and would normally clip under the rear portion of the gun's barrels. We believe that this detached from the weapon during the firing process. Ballistic inquiries have ascertained that the weapon is most likely from a Spanish manufacturer. It also bears the digits 584 which should relate to any other part of the gun.

"It is my belief that somebody knows about this weapon, its marking and the location of its other components."

Mr Asakerh, who was also known as Mo and was from Huddersfield, is believed to have had a criminal record.

Det Supt Payne moved to reassure anyone who may be reluctant to approach the police, stressing that any information received is treated in the strictest confidence.

He said: "This was clearly an extremely serious incident and there may be a fear of coming forward. I can assure you that any information received is treated in the strictest confidence.

"I would therefore appeal to anyone who knows about this incident to contact us immediately. As I have said before, this was not a random attack and someone must know more about this incident and the weapon used."

Two men arrested in April 2009 on suspicion of murder remain on police bail.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 0845 6060606, by text on 07786 200 805 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.