Handgun found in early-hours raid as police investigate Dudley shootings
A man has been arrested and a handgun seized after an armed raid at a home in Stourbridge.
West Midlands Police officers stormed the address in Gibbs Road, Lye, at 5.15am this morning.
They confirmed that the raid was part of an investigation into two shooting incidents in Dudley on August 27.
One of the incidents saw a pistol firing blanks in the car park of the Hilly House pub, on Himley Road at 9.30pm.
An hour later a woman reported shots being fired outside her home in Foresters Fold in Lower Gornal.
A 38-year-old man has been arrested at the address on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence.
After searching the house, police officers found a handgun and a Taser.
Detective Inspector Jackie Nicholson from force CID, said: “We suspect the handgun we’ve seized is a blank-firing pistol.
"However, it clearly has the appearance of a genuine firearm and it’s totally unacceptable for guns like this to be carried or discharged in public.
"The two incidents caused real fear among the public that a viable firearm was being discharged – and we will take positive action against anyone who believes they can behave with impunity.”
Anyone who suspects somebody of possessing an illegal firearm is urged to contact West Midlands Police on 101 or on Live Chat at WMP Online between 8am and midnight. People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
