Police are investigating following a series of firearms offences in Birmingham last night (5 January). Police were called just before 4pm after people heard two loud bangs, thought to be gunshots, in Summerfield Crescent in Ladywood.
We’ve been told that a grey Hyundai Tucson crashed into a wall and men were seen running off from the vehicle. Shots were heard after the collision and the Hyundai left the scene and was later recovered Ledbury Close, Ladywood.
We had a further call at around 5.50pm in nearby Nineveh Road. Witnesses told us that two cars were chasing each other a silver or grey car and a blue Ford Fiesta. The latter crashed into parked cars and the occupants ran off. The silver car left the area.
Officers found what they believe is a bullet hole in the boot area of the Fiesta dumped at the scene. We’ve forensically recovered the car. Finally, ambulance colleagues were alerted to a man being shot in the foot in Rodney Close, Ladywood.
The 23-year-old was taken to hospital with injuries which aren’t thought to be serious and has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm at this time. A 21-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drugs and possession of a firearm and is currently in custody.
We’re speaking to witnesses, collecting CCTV and exploring all forensic opportunities. We’re unsure if these incidents are linked currently, but given the proximity of locations and time we’re keeping an open mind. Superintendent Jim Munro, responsible for policing in Birmingham, said: “These are shocking incidents to have taken places in residential areas of our city.
“We understand how concerning this is for anyone who lives in the area and also our wider communities. We do not want weapons on our streets so we need your help – if you know what happened, who was involved, or witnessed anything please let us know.”
In efforts taking action to reduce violence and remove dangerous weapons from our streets. Chief Inspector James Spencer explains what they are doing in the city centre here: “We’re fortunate to be part of one of the biggest and best cities in the country and we want everyone to safely enjoy all it has to offer.
“It means we won’t tolerate violence and is why we are taking action in response to recent stabbings, robberies and weapons being brought into the city. “Today we’ll be using section 60 powers in and around the city centre to help us do this. This allows us to stop and search people we suspect may be involved in violence, or carrying weapons, without the need to have reasonable grounds. They will be available to our city centre police team along with officers from our Guardian taskforce team who focus on under 25 violence and knife crime.
“The powers will be in place until 5pm we’ll continue to review this on a daily basis.
“We’re committed to working with you and all our partners to prevent violence and knife crime. We want to stop the trend of young people being exploited and immersed into a gang culture of carrying weapons. Every time someone carries a knife or other weapon they run the risk of ruining lives, not only others but their own too.
“We are working hard to understand what drives such behaviour and links between the exploitation of young people by Organised Crime Groups.
“The reasons for carrying a knife, or any weapon, vary. Some may carry a knife because they think ‘everyone else is’ but that’s not the case – 99 per cent of young people in the UK don’t carry a knife.
“Some may say for protection but evidence suggests those who carry a knife or weapon are more likely to end up being hurt. “Furthermore, it’s illegal to carry knives or any other weapons and it can lead to a criminal record and prison sentence which impacts on education, employment and travel.
“While we’ll continue to take action to tackle violence we also understand the need to help young people and deter them from a criminal lifestyle. This is why we also want to educate and support them to make the right choices and away from a criminal record and prison.
“We appreciate the impact of stopping people under section 60 and we’re keen to hear from you about how we exercise these powers. We’re continually looking to learn and improve.
“Moving forward, and Covid permitting, we want to invite more of you to join us on patrols and see what we do. If you’re interested please contact your local neighbourhood police team. “We will also be arranging stop and search scrutiny panels to demonstrate transparency and our willingness to listen to feedback.
“It’s through your support and sharing information we can help ensure Birmingham is a safe place for all.”
