Cleared of murder at Hove court

Edmond Nela, 32, was cleared of the murder of Xhem Kransniqi today.

He was also found not guilty of the attempted murder of Xhem’s nephew, Kelmend Murataj, and brother, Ismail Zeneli, and possession of a firearm.

Unemployed Nela is of no fixed address but he is known to have lived in Shoreham for some years.

Xhem Krasniqi, 31, died after being shot in Church Road, Hove, on May 18 last year. He had been with his brother and nephew when he was shot once in the abdomen. His nephew narrowly missed being injured when a bullet entered his clothes.

Detective Superintendent Ian Pollard, of the Surrey and Sussex major crime team, said: “We accept the decision of the court. This was a difficult case for a number of reasons. Whatever reason was behind them meeting that day, it did not warrant someone losing their life.

“My sympathies go to Xhem’s wife, who sat through all the evidence, some of it was understandably difficult to listen to. I would like to pay tribute to her resolve and compusure throughout.”