A teenager who was fatally shot as he sat in a taxi has been named as Kimani Martin.

Kimani, who turned 18 at the start of June, was a passenger in the private hire vehicle when a shotgun was fired once at the vehicle from a dark hatchback on Dudley Road East, Tividale. The car then sped away from the scene of the shooting, which happened just before 1.30am on Sunday (20 June).

Three special constables who were nearby came across the scene and tended to the youngster, but nothing could be done to save him. He was taken to hospital and pronounced dead a short time later. His family have paid the following tribute:

“Kimani Oshane Martin was a jovial, loving, caring, kind young man. He had a big heart, he loved everyone and was willing to help anyone. He loved his family dearly and he lived life to the fullest.

“We are deeply saddened and distraught over the loss of Kimani so suddenly. We are a close knit family and this will affect us forever. It has had a severe impact on his mom who is unwell. He will be extremely missed by his family and friends.”

Det Insp Jim Colclough, who is leading the investigation, added: “Our investigation has moved really quickly in the hours since Sunday’s tragedy, which has left a family devastated and cost the life of a young man who’d only just turned 18.

“We’re building a clearer picture of what happened all the time, and we’re determined to get justice for Kimani’s family. I really need to hear from anyone who we’ve not spoken to yet and who may have any information.

“Maybe it’s some dashcam footage from the area at the time, or someone who was just passing through and saw or heard something. Sometimes the smallest bit of information can lead to significant breakthroughs in investigations like this.”

Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via live chat at west-midlands.police.uk, or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting crime number 20/1126386/21.