Five arrested and gun seized as armed officers stop car in Birmingham
Five people were arrested and a gun seized after a car was stopped by armed officers in Birmingham.
The five, aged between 23 and 37, were detained in the Kings Norton area of the city after officers from the National Crime Agency's Armed Operations Unit stopped a car in Muirfield Gardens.
A handgun and ammunition were recovered from the scene. Those arrested were being questioned on suspicion of possessing a firearm.
Searches were also carried out in Stourbridge, as well as the Rubery, Shenley Fields, Northfield and Longbridge areas in connection with the arrests.
NCA Branch Commander Mick Pope said: "We have seen all too recently in Birmingham how illegal firearms are used in acts of serious violence, as well as being used by crime groups to coerce and intimidate.
"This is why reducing their availability and taking guns off the streets is a priority for the NCA and West Midlands Police.
"However, protecting communities from this threat cannot be achieved by law enforcement action alone. I'd encourage anyone with information about illegally held firearms to contact Crimestoppers anonymously or police."
