Police officer who first responded to Connor Brookes found him slumped in the driver's seat covered in blood

The officer from the West Midlands Police tactical firearms unit was called to Well Lane, Blakenhall, on July 8, 2024.

When the officer arrived a crowd had already formed around Connor Brookes van and a female relative was in the passenger seat holding his head.

Bradley Sladyszyn, who had been sitting in the passenger seat when the drive-by shooting happened, had left the vehicle and was writhing on the floor in agony after being wounded in the shoulder.

In a statement read to Wolverhampton Crown Court, the officer said: "I was on duty in Walsall when we received a call about a firearm being discharged in Well Lane. 

"On arrival at 5.02pm a large crowd had formed. I could see Connor Brookes in the driving seat, slumped forward. He had a gunshot wound to the head. There was a female in the passenger seat cradling Connor's head. 

"I tried to open the driver's side door but it was locked, so I went in the passenger's side and leant over him and opened the door from the inside.

"The windows had been smashed. I then saw a large amount of blood in the driver's side floor. I opened the door so I could get in the passenger side. I could see a large amount of blood."

He added: "By this time paramedics had arrived and I assisted them as they dealt with Connor."

However, less than 20 minutes later Connor, 20, would be pronounced dead at the scene. 

Julian Falconer, 20, Jake Sanbrook, 23, and Byron Sellick, 20, are all standing trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court charged with Brookes murder. 

Falconer, of Wyrley Close, Willenhall; Sanbrook, of Fisher Road, Bloxwich and Sellick, of no fixed abode, are charged with murder, attempted murder and  possessing a shotgun with intent to endanger life. Samuel Danks-Petty, 20, of Build Close, Walsall, is also in the dock accused of intent to pervert the course of justice. 

The four deny all charges. The trial continues.