Murder arrest as Brierley Hill cannabis raid victims named

Seven men targeted a house in Brierley Hill where cannabis was being grown and were confronted by people inside, said West Midlands Police.

In the ensuing violence 19-year-old Khuzaimah Douglas, from Moseley, Birmingham, was killed. He was pronounced dead in Pensnett Road.

A 36-year-old man who later died in hospital has been named as Waseem Ramzan, who lived in Pensnett Road, near where trouble flared.

An interactive map of the scene:

Both men suffered serious injuries and post-mortem examinations are taking take place to confirm the precise cause of death.

A 19-year-old man who was arrested yesterday on suspicion of conspiracy to rob, has now been further arrested on suspicion of murder.

He remained in police custody tonight.

A kickboxing gym, in Tyseley, called USKA Fight Factory, posted a tribute to Mr Douglas on its Facebook page.

The message said Mr Douglas was a member of the gym and his death has left people "absolutely devastated and heartbroken".

The statement said: "Our beloved brother Khuzaimah Douglas passed away and we all feel absolutely devastated and heartbroken following the news.

"Khuzaimah was a kind, considerate, extremely talented and humble young man who everyone had a connection with, an older brother to the USKA kids and a younger brother to all the seniors.

"To see the effect that this has had on each and every member at the gym last night was truly heartbreaking.

"I can only imagine what his family are going through right now having to process the situation and come to terms with their unimaginable loss.

West Midlands Police received 999 calls just after 3.30am on Thursday from people reporting a group of men were trying to force entry to a house in Pensnett Road.

A fight spilled out into the street during which the victims were fatally stabbed.

A cannabis factory which was later uncovered nearby in a house in Pensnett Road is understood to have been targeted by robbers.

Police launched a double murder investigation – with they have said is making "good progress".

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Munro, from the Homicide Unit, who is leading the investigation, said: "We have been working throughout the night to take witness statements and seize CCTV.

"It’s helped us get a clearer understanding of what’s gone on.

“We believe around seven men attacked an address in which cannabis was being cultivated and were confronted by people who were inside the address.

“We are working to identify who was involved and we are making good progress.”

Detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone who was in the Pensnett Road area in the early hours of Thursday to contact them.

Mr Munro said: "People may have witnessed the disorder, people or vehicles leaving the scene, or seen something suspicious.

"We need them to get in touch as every piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial.

“I would also like to hear from any motorists who were in the area at the time and have dash cam footage as they also may have recorded something important.”

Dudley Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Sally Bourner, said they believe the address was deliberately targeted.

She added: "Our thoughts are with the families of two men who have tragically lost their lives.

"We have specially trained Family Liaison Officers working with them to offer support.

“This is an awful incident and we recognise the wider impact it can have on our communities.

"But what I would say is that we believe this address was deliberately targeted, it was not a random attack.

“In the immediate term, local officers are providing reassurance in the area and people should have seen an increase in patrols.

"Longer term we are working with partners including the council, health, education and charities to tackle violent crime and the root causes of violence.”

Anyone with information is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.