Murder trial collapses seven years after girl shot

Tanesha Melbourne-Blake was 17 in 2018 when she was killed

The trial of a man for the murder of a 17-year-old girl has collapsed almost seven years since she was shot dead in an alleged gang shooting on rival territory.

Tanesha Melbourne-Blake was standing with friends on Chalgrove Road in Tottenham, north London, on the evening of Easter Monday in 2018, when a car pulled up and an occupant opened fire.

She died at the scene from internal injuries.

On Thursday, Judge Mark Dennis KC discharged jurors in the Old Bailey case of Marcus La Croix, 37, saying issues had arisen during the course of the evidence that needed to be "bottomed out".

Mr La Croix had been charged with murder after allegedly making a confession to a fellow inmate, jurors had heard.

Judge Dennis said further inquiries were needed following the evidence from two police officers who had taken a witness statement from the prisoner.

He spoke of the need for time to carry out the investigation, saying: "If you rush something like this further errors can be made."

Forensic officers searched Chalgrove Road after Tanesha Melbourne-Blake was shot

The case will be listed on 20 June for a case management hearing when the prosecution is expected to announce a decision on whether to seek a retrial.

Mr La Croix, from Hackney, had denied murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.