Murder probe as two are shot in Walsall

A DOUBLE murder probe was launched today after two people were found shot at a house.

The victims, a man and a woman, were found with serious gunshot wounds by police and paramedics who were called to a home in Walsall, earlier today.

Despite efforts to save them both victims, a 38-year-old mother-of-three and a 43-year-old man, died at the scene.

A 23-year-old man and 22-year-old woman were arrested nearby on suspicion of murder. The suspects, from Walsall, were helping police with their inquiries today.

Police said a "strong line of inquiry was that the deaths followed a domestic incident".

Officers were called to the scene at 1.37am today in Laneside Gardens, Birchills. The area was sealed off as officers and forensic teams combed the area for evidence. Police were also going door to door speaking to residents.

A black Fiat Punto with a damaged wing mirror parked nearby was taped off.

The cul-de-sac is near the A454 Wolverhampton Road, just off junction 10 of the M6 and not far from Reedswood Park.

Detective Inspector Michaela Kerr, from West Midlands Police's Criminal Investigation Department, said: "Both the man and woman sustained gunshot injuries and they received emergency treatment at the scene, however, they could not be saved and died a short time later.

"We are treating their deaths as suspicious and two people were arrested nearby in connection with the incident. They are in custody this morning and will be questioned by detectives."

It was not immediately clear if any weapons had been seized.

Residents who woke to the news said it was "shocking and tragic".

A neighbour said she believed two adults and two children lived at the house where the victims were found.

Sandeep Verma, 34, of Laneside Gardens, said: "They seemed quite pleasant, we have never had any problems with them.

"It is a big shock to everyone to hear what happened. We saw the police here this morning but we didn't realise it was this serious at the time."

Ann Bridgett, 65, who lives on nearby Wolverhampton Road, said: "I got up this morning and saw the police car and the area cordoned off. I don't really know who lives there, it was quite a shock."

Neighbour Roy Perry, 69, whose garden backs on to Laneside Gardens, added: "I didn't hear a thing, I just saw the area was sealed off this morning. People tend to keep themselves to themselves around here."

John Tolley, landlord of The Parkbrook pub in Wolverhampton Road, said: "I noticed the cordons up this morning at about 10 to eight when I went out.

"I'm shocked this has happened."

And Councillor Lee Jeavons, who represents Birchills and Leamore, said: "Gun crime of this nature is shocking and tragic."

Anyone with information should call Bloxwich police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.