Leeds United player's brother killed in barber shop shooting

  • Published
Raheem WilksImage source, Wilks family
Image caption,

Raheem Wilks, brother of Leeds United under-23 player Mallik Wilks, died in hospital after he was shot in the Harehills area of Leeds

A 19-year-old man has died in a "targeted" shooting outside a barber's shop in Leeds.

Raheem Wilks, brother of Leeds United under-23 player Mallik Wilks, was at Too Sharps in the Harehills area of the city when he was shot shortly before 13:20 GMT on Thursday.

He was found seriously injured and taken to hospital for treatment, but later died, West Yorkshire Police said.

A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Live updates on this story and others from across West Yorkshire

Mr Wilks' grandmother, Susan Coley, said she was the "last person to see him alive".

"He said 'I'll be back soon' nana, I said 'don't get into any trouble', and he said 'I won't'.

"Somebody phoned us and said 'your grandson is in the infirmary'. We went down there and sat there until he died."

Image caption,

Susan Coley, Raheem Wilks' grandmother, said she was at her grandson's hospital bed "until he died"

She described her grandson as "jolly" and "just full of life".

"He'd do anything for you," she said.

Mr Wilks' grandfather John Coley added: "He was a very nice lad. Everybody loves him."

Garry Monk, Leeds United's manager, said he had spoken to Mallik Wilks and the club would "support him in the right way".

He could be part of the squad for the FA Cup match away at non-league Sutton United on Sunday.

Det Ch Insp Stuart Spencer said a murder inquiry had been launched and detectives were trying to "establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident". 

"Although our inquiries are still at a relatively early stage, we believe this has been a targeted attack on the victim," he said.

Image caption,

Grandfather John Coley said Raheem Wilks was "very popular"

"We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area yesterday and witnessed the incident or who has any information that could assist the investigation."

Floral tributes have been left at the scene. One message reads: "Daddy you were sadly taken".

A post mortem examination is due to take place later.

Image caption,

The teenager was shot at Too Sharps in Gathorne Terrace in the Harehills area of the city