Night of gun violence ends in man being shot in Ladywood

Police are investigating a series of firearms incidents which took place in Ladywood last night (5 January) including one where a man was shot.

West Midlands police were called just before 4pm yesterday after people heard two loud bangs, thought to be gunshots, in Summerfield Crescent in Ladywood.

The force has 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.

Police had a further call at around 5.50pm in nearby Nineveh Road.

Witnesses told officers 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.

The force said that officers found what they believe is a bullet hole in the boot area of the Fiesta dumped at the scene.

Finally, the ambulance service was 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.

In a statement, the fore said: “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.”

Urgent appeal for information

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.”

You can contact police via Live Chat on the West Midlands police website, quoting Operation Backcount.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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