Communities in shock after three shootings in three days in the Black Country
Communities have been left reeling after three shootings in the Black Country in just three days this week.
Two men have died, a third was left seriously injured and college students had to hide in a corner after a bullet came through the window in three incidents.
Then on Tuesday a man in his 20s was found in a Vauxhall car with a smashed-out window in Upper High Street, Cradley Heath, where he is believed to have driven after being shot elsewhere.
Police sealed off an industrial estate off Moor Street and an alleyway between Springfield Road and Moor Street yesterday and detectives were conducting door-to-door enquiries in connection with the double murder investigation.
Residents living nearby said the shooting was "horrific" and were left shocked at the news.
One man, who did not want to be named, said: "I got home from work on Wednesday and there were loads of police and I wondered what was going on.
"I knew it must've been something bad.
"It's something that happens in America, not here. It's horrific, especially when it's on your door step.
"I've only recently moved here, you get lots of people coming up and down the road it's quite busy."
Another neighbour, who also did not wish to be named, added: "Some time on Wednesday there were two or three emergency vehicles.
"It's quite a busy road but we've been here 40 years and have never heard anything like this."
A woman who lives near the industrial estate with her husband said a relative works at the site and was sent home on Wednesday afternoon.
She said: "I couldn't believe it, I didn't hear anything.
"My daughter said to me 'don't you dare go anywhere' after she heard.
"It does make me worry, it's a shock really."
'Deeply concerning'
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson said the news was "deeply concerning".
He said: “Recent violence in the Black Country and the West Midlands is deeply concerning and is a shock to communities across the whole area.
“Back in June I called on the government to take action, particularly with young men, unemployment and a volatile drugs market. At that time we could see increasing levels of violence occurring and I think it could even get worse yet. We are reaching new levels of violence.
“There’s a whole range of factors behind this and in many cases, serious violence relates to the drugs market which has been disrupted by Covid-19.
“Our West Midlands Police will be investigating and taking action against those perpetrators and working to keep people safe.
“Through the West Midlands Violence Reduction Unit we are working with partners to provide help and support for young people who are at risk of becoming drawn into violence and tackling the underlying causes of violent crime.”
Councillor Zafar Islam, for the Brierley Hill ward, appealed for any residents with information to come forward.
He said: "We want people to work with the police and to be reassured the authorities will do anything and everything to make sure the crime is dealt with in the most efficient way.
"I work with the community and the police to ensure that the community is safe and the crime is investigated thoroughly."
