Man found guilty of killing teenager in shooting

A man with black hair, a short black beard and thin moustache smiling and looking into the camera. There is a lilac flower wall behind him and his is wearing a thin, black headband to hold his hair out of his faImage source, West Midlands Police
Image caption,

Ali Riyan died in hospital after being shot in Washwood Heath in October last year

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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, West Midlands 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.

A police mugshot of a man with short dark hair and a short dark beard. He is looking directly at the camera with a plain background behind him.Image source, West Midlands Police
Image caption,

Seraaj Ayub was found guilty by a jury at Birmingham Crown Court

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

He refused to comment during his police interview, the force said, and investigating officers were unable to determine the motive behind the attack.

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.

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