Dad shot dead in city centre pictured as family pay heartbreaking tribute
A murder investigation has been launched following Zikel Bobmanuel's death, while the east Manchester street where the 32-year-old was pronounced dead remains cordoned off.
In a statement yesterday, GMP said one man, 33, had been arrested after what they believe to be a 'targeted attack'. They continue to hunt one suspect who was believed to have fled the scene in a vehicle.
His family have paid tribute to the father, whose youngest child is just six weeks old.
In a statement, the family said he 'had the heart of his girlfriend in his hand' and that they are 'devastated beyond belief'.
“Zikel was many things to many people, he was a good friend, a hard-working colleague, part of a large extended family, but ultimately, he was his mother’s son, her pride and joy," they said.
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“He held the heart of his girlfriend in his hand and was a hands on father to his beloved children, the youngest just six weeks old.
Forensic officers at the scene of the crime on Sunday (Gary Oakley/Manchester Evening News)"Zikel was happy and fulfilled, he was working hard to provide for his family and was never more content than when he was spending time with them," the statement read.
“It is difficult to comprehend that Zikel has died under such tragic circumstances and the shock is profound. We are devastated beyond belief and find it hard to comprehend life without him.
"We would like to thank everybody for their kind words and the comfort their support has given us and respectfully ask for some privacy at this difficult time.”
Detective Superintendent Simon Hurst of Greater Manchester Police said: "Our thoughts are with Zikel’s loved ones at this heart-breaking time. As our investigation continues, specially trained colleagues are supporting them.
Tributes have poured in for Zikel on social media (Gary Oakley/Manchester Evening News)"Since yesterday afternoon, we continue to build an in-depth timeline of events leading up to Zikel’s death and we are following a number of positive lines of enquiry. Although we currently have one man in custody, work is ongoing to ensure that those involved are brought to justice.
"I would like to thank members of the public that have already shared information with us. Any information, regardless of how small, may be the key to receiving answers for Zikel’s family."
Tributes have also poured in for Zikel on social media. "So sad, RIP Zeeks, was a top guy," one friend commented.
Another said: "Rest in Peace Zikel, such sad news. Happy I got to catch a little vibe with you one last time. Love always."
Police cordons on Sandywell Street in east Manchester on Sunday (Gary Oakley/Manchester Evening News)In the are surrounding Sandywell Street, where the shooting happened, residents told the Manchester Evening News they were scared to leave their houses as specialist search, tactical aid, and forensic officers continued their work on Sunday.
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They were "scared" and "shocked" by the violent crime which has shaken what they called a "tight-knit community", they said,
"Everyone here knows each other, we've all been helping each other," one woman said. "It's very sad. It is scary when this happens on your own doorstep. It's not like the olden days when you could leave your doors open.
"This street is usually full of children playing. Today, there is nobody around."
On the other side of the street, another resident said she didn't see or hear anything until the police arrived yesterday afternoon. "It's horrible," she said. "It is scary. I mean you can't get any closer, can you?"
Anyone with information is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 quoting log number 1771 25/3/2023. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to the independent charity - Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
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