Birmingham police investigating murder of boy, 16, find body of second teenager by canal

Detectives investigating the murder of a 16-year-old boy who was shot in Birmingham have found the body of a second teenager and a gun next to a canal.

The 17-year-old's body was discovered at around 10.30am on FRiday (November 10) by police carrying out searches in connection with the first teenager's death in Ladywood. He was found on land next to a canal on Lighthorne Avenue, the same street where the 16-year-old boy was found dead on Sunday (November 5).

West Midlands Police said the discovery is being linked to the murder of the teenager, who died in hospital from his injuries on Tuesday (November 7). The force revealed detectives are not looking for anyone else as part of their investigation into the death of the 17-year-old.

A gun, which was found at the same time and in the same area as the body, will now be forensically examined. Another 17-year-old boy, who was arrested as part of the original murder investigation, remains on bail while enquiries continue into the first death.

He has not been arrested in connection with the second death.

Police statement

Detective Superintendent Shaun Edwards, from the force's Homicide team, said: "This is a tragic development in our investigation, and our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by the events of the last week.

"Our investigation into what has happened will continue for some time, and we will be supporting the families involved throughout. Neighbourhood officers continue to patrol the area to offer reassurance, and I'd encourage anyone with information to get in touch with us."

Paramedics were called at 12.26pm on Sunday (November 5) to Lighthorne Avenue, in the inner-city suburb near the city's Brindley Place entertainment district.

Two ambulances, two paramedic officers, a MERIT trauma doctor and a critical care paramedic were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “On arrival, crews found the patient in a critical condition. Ambulance staff immediately began administering advanced life support.

“He was conveyed to hospital on blue lights in a life-threatening condition with the MERIT trauma doctor travelling on board to provide continued treatment en route.”

Anyone with information has been asked to call 101 or get in touch via Live Chat online, quoting log 1632 of November 5.