New line in betting shop murder

The man filling the car was wearing a distinctive jacket

Police investigating the murder of a 16-year-old boy in a betting shop want to speak to a man seen driving off from a petrol station without paying.

Louis Braithwaite was shot in William Hill in Mauldeth Road West, Withington, Manchester, on 29 January.

Detectives have released CCTV images of a man filling a stolen car with petrol in Asda in Hulme nine days earlier.

Police believe false plates fitted to the blue Peugeot could have been on another car at the scene of the murder.

The man seen on the forecourt was black and was wearing a distinctive jacket.

Det Ch Insp Maria Fox said: "We are not saying the man on the CCTV had anything to do with Louis's death, neither are we saying that the plates were used in the shooting, however it is a line of inquiry that we are pursuing.

Louis Braithwaite died 12 days after he was shot in a betting shop

"I would like to hear from anyone that recognises the man in the CCTV stills to contact police.

"I would also like to appeal directly to the man himself to come forward and speak to officers. The man is wearing an extremely distinctive jacket and I am sure once you've seen it you won't forget it.

"We have measures in place to protect witnesses and I hope that those with information address their conscience and can be brave enough to come forward."

Louis died in hospital from a gunshot wound to the abdomen 12 days after the shooting.

An 18-year-old man was also taken to hospital with bullet wounds to his stomach and torso.