Man found guilty of killing teenager in Birmingham shooting

A man has been found guilty of murder after a teenager was shot and later died of his injuries.

Seeraj Ayub, 24, of Alexander Road, Birmingham, was convicted on Tuesday following a two-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

He shot Ali Riyan,19, on Alderson Road, Washwood Heath, who died in hospital two days after the incident on 19 October last year.

Ayub initially fled the country, but was arrested in January when he returned to the UK from Dublin, police said.

Officers said they reviewed CCTV and discovered he was in a black Mercedes that had followed Mr Riyan and a friend as they were riding an e-bike.

The Mercedes pulled up beside the pair when they came to a stop, and a shot was fired from a rear passenger window.

The car followed them after they rode off, and a second shot was then fired which hit Mr Riyan.

Police said he was found by a member of the public, who called the emergency services.

Ayub was arrested when he returned to the country on a ferry on 28 January.

Despite refusing to comment during his police interview, he was charged with murder and on Tuesday was convicted by a jury.

In a previous tribute to Mr Riyan, his family said he embraced life with “enthusiasm and grace” and had “boundless potential”.

“He had a unique ability to uplift those around him, always ready with a smile or a listening ear”, they added.

Senior investigating officer Jenny Birch said she hoped the verdict brought some peace to Mr Riyan’s family.

“Our team worked tirelessly on this case and I am pleased we have been able to secure justice for Ali and his family,” she said.

Ayub will be sentenced on 4 December.