COUNCILLORS for the Thornton Lodge area have revealed that the community is still reeling from Friday’s murder.

Clr Mohammad Sarwar, whose Crosland Moor and Netherton ward includes the estate where Jasem Asakerh was gunned down, said he had spoken to many residents.

He said that they had expressed concern in the wake of the shocking events on Friday.

“People are a bit scared,” he said.

“They don’t know what’s happening and there is a lot of uncertainty about what has happened.

“They are asking why it has happened, and are anxious for someone to be caught.”

He said he was called by police on the morning it happened.

“They informed me that someone had been shot down and wanted to know what the atmosphere was like.

“I told them that people were worried.”

He said the locals were convinced it was drug-related.

“It’s a big problem in Thornton Lodge. You see suspicious people in cars a lot and straight away you think there must be something wrong.”

But he said people should not change their behaviour because of what had happened.

He said: “People should carry on with their everyday lives, but if they see anything suspicious, inform the police or their local councillor.”

Fellow ward councillor Molly Walton added: “I think ‘shock’ is the word that best describes the feeling since Friday.

“Thornton Lodge isn’t as bad as other places in Huddersfield.

“Now there’s a feeling that it’s people from the outside bringing the trouble into the area.

“There’s natural concern about what has happened and I think a feeling that people need to take control of their families to stop it happening.”

Insp David Glover, from Huddersfield South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We’re doing our best to provide a reassuring presence.”

Timeline to brutal murder

8pm Thursday: The black Audi Q7 is seen parked up on Brook Street, described as a popular hang-out for youngsters.

8pm Thursday to 3.45am Saturday: The car goes to various points in the town centre.

3.45am: The car is back at Brook Street. A lone gunman walks up to the rear passenger window and fires two shots, smashing the window and fatally injuring Jasem Asakerh.

The killer runs off past the community centre.

A 26-year-old who is injured gets out of the car and runs off to his home nearby, leaving a trail of blood.

Mr Asakerh gets out of the car, leaving behind a solitary boot before getting back in.

Around 4am: The car arrives at hospital, where Mr Asakerh is pronounced dead from a shot to the chest.

The Audi Q7 is later discovered on Manor Street in Newsome.

Police seal off Brook Street and launch a murder investigation.