Four men taken to hospital after triple stabbing in Smethwick
Four men were taken to hospital after a triple stabbing in the Black Country.
Emergency services were called to a multi-occupancy property in Cranford Street, in Smethwick, at around 7pm last night.
One man suffered serious multiple stab wounds, while two others were treated for potentially serious stab injuries. All three were taken to hospital for further treatment.
A fourth man was also taken to hospital after he suffered potentially serious injuries – after it is believed he jumped from a window to escape.
Watch: Video from the scene
West Midlands Police has launched an investigation – and said a white Nissan Quashqai parked nearly was also stolen.
A spokesman for the force said: "We were called to Cranford Street, Smethwick, at 7pm on Tuesday night following reports of a disorder.
"Four men were found with various injuries, including knife wounds.
"It’s believed some of the men suffered injuries having jumped from a window to escape the disorder.
"Our armed police provided first aid to the victims. None of the injuries are life threatening.
"The scene of the disorder appears to be a multi-occupancy property.
"The motive for the trouble is unclear at this stage, though it appears a white Nissan Qashqai parked nearby was stolen during the disorder.
"We have launched an investigation and anyone who saw what happened or a white Nissan Qashqai or a brown Toyota 4x4 driving away from the scene to get in touch"
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called to reports of a stabbing on Cranford Street at 7pm last night [Tuesday]. Three ambulances, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor attended the scene.
"On arrival we discovered four patients. One man had suffered multiple stab injuries and was treated for serious, but not believed to be life threatening injuries.
"Two further men were treated for potentially serious stab injuries whilst a fourth man, who had fallen from height, was also treated for potentially serious injuries.
"All four men were then taken to hospital for further assessment."
Residents and neighbours in the area have spoken of their shocck after the disorder broke out. Kirat Raj Singh, coordinator of Neighbourhood Watch in the area, said: "I was sitting at home when I saw the blue lights over my garden fence. I've been so used to seeing flashing lights because we're near the new hospital, but these seemed to be stationary.
"I went to investigate and saw multiple police vans and ambulances and the window of the house was open, so I knew something big had happened and this was around 7pm
"We have had instances of houses being burgled and cars stolen, with my own being stolen a year and a half ago.
"I'm very angry that it's happened as, for the most part, this is a nice community and a lot of people have children, but it seems like a targeted attack. The police response was great and I think they did everything they could to answer questions and reassure people."
One resident said: "I heard a car screeching away, but didn't think anything of it as I had heard it before around here. It's shocking to hear about this as I've lived here three years and it always seems nice around here.
"The police were good as they've been here all night and done their best to make everyone feel safe, which is good for me as I have a baby."
Another neighbour, who didn't wish to be named, said: "The first I knew about it was when I saw them condoning off the house. This is the first time I've seen something like this happen and this is a relatively new estate.
"It's scary that it's happened so close to my door and after hearing that it might be a stabbing, you start to wonder where you're living.
"I'm reassured by the police being here and I think they've done the best they can."
Another added: "I've lived here for a couple of years and never seen anything like this, but I did see a few youths hanging around the back of the house with flash cars.
"It's going to affect the community as everyone will start fearing for their lives as they may think it could happen to them, particularly with kids at home."
Anyone with information is urged to call West Midlands Police on 101, quoting log number 3828 from February 23.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org
