Police reassure criminals over Lee Wallace and Jayson Hassan murder information

Published: 19 November, 2010
by TERRY MESSENGER

POLICE hunting the killers of two men shot dead in Islington last week have reassured criminals it is safe for them to come forward as witnesses.

Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Clayman, who is leading the investigation, played down speculation that Lee Wallace and Jayson Hassan were victims of a gangland slaying. But he emphasised that those with criminal backgrounds will be treated with consideration and discretion.

DCI Clayman told the Tribune yesterday (Thursday): “There might be people, maybe because of their own background, who may feel a bit concerned about speaking to us, but that shouldn’t deter them from doing so. Confidence is the central issue – we’ve got a lot of work to do to get people’s confidence.   

“But they have to take that first step and talk to us and they will realise we are approachable.”

He stressed that the same applied to witnesses to the shootings who may be too scared to help the police. 

Lee and Jayson were shot outside Strang House in Britannia Row at 4.30am last Tuesday morning, November 9. Police are searching for two men who made off in an unknown direction.

Lee, 25, came from Islington but moved to Debden in Essex where he was raising a young family with his girlfriend Charlie. Jayson, 28, came from Bethnal Green.

DCI Clayman said he believes the motive for the killings is the key to solving the crime.   

“That’s the picture that’s not clear to me – and that’s a crucial purpose in the appeal,” he said. He urged witnesses to think of the families of the victims, adding:  “People come to conclusions rightly or wrongly about why things happen and what people do to get themselves in these situations, but there is a mum and a dad and a brother and a sister who have to deal with the fact that their loved one has just been shot.”

Lee’s family, who live in Ritchie Street, Angel, paid tribute to him an interview with the Tribune. Stepmother Caroline Banks said: “He was a lovely, funny boy, a lovely personality. We can’t believe what’s happened to him. He’s going to be really missed.”

Anyone who can assist police should call the incident room on 020 8345 3775, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.