Man shot and three stabbed in Walsall street violence as police close off roads and cover up car

Police received reports of fighting and a gun being fired at a car on Reedswood Lane, Birchills, at around 11.50pm on Wednesday, resulting in four men being injured.

West Midlands Police said two men were in a serious condition and two sustained non life-threatening injuries.

A car was covered in tarpaulin outside the Premier convenience store on Old Birchills on Thursday morning, while two smaller forensic tents were erected next to it.

Roads including Old Birchills and Reedswood Lane have been closed off by police.

A police spokesperson said: "Officers attended the scene and recovered a gun and machete from Reedswood Lane and these will now be forensically examined for clues.

"We're in the early stages of our enquiries but a 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of wounding. He remains in custody for questioning.

"We know others were involved and we'll be carrying out CCTV - and other enquiries - to identify them."

Section 60 stop and search powers are now in place.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called to reports of a gunshot incident near to the junction of Old Birchills and Reedswood Lane at 11.50pm. Two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor, with a critical care paramedic, were dispatched.

"We treated two patients for serious injuries, one of whom, a man, had suffered gunshot injuries. They were then both transferred to a major trauma centre.

"Two further patients were treated for injuries not believed to be serious before being handed over to hospital."

It's thought the shooting is linked with a blue forensic tent and police outside Walsall Manor Hospital.

Police and security remained outside the entrance this morning.

A spokesperson for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs the hospital said: “Police are investigating an incident that happened near Walsall town centre in the early hours today and as a result, four men were initially brought to the Manor Hospital.

“Walsall Manor Hospital cannot be accessed by car via Pleck Road currently whilst the Trust supports the police investigation that is underway. All of our services remain open and we will be doing all we can to continue to support patients to attend for their appointments or treatment.

“A police forensics team will be working on site today and an area will remain cordoned off while this takes place.”

'All I heard was a bang – and then screaming'

Residents of the area were left feeling terrified after describing the sights and sounds immediately following the incident.

One resident, who has lived near the road for almost 10 years, was willing to talk about what he saw, however, refused to give their name out of fear of reprisals.

The resident said: "I was woken up by my wife, she shook me away saying 'there is something going on outside'. I looked out the window and I just heard 'pop, pop, pop'.

"Then there was screaming or groaning. This area has always been a bit bad, but never really anything like this. It's getting worse."

Another, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I left for work at about 7am, but the lane was cordoned off and the police told me I can't pass. I had to go along Bentley Lane and order a taxi instead of taking our car.

"I don't know what happened. As I passed Reedswood Lane I could see a car covered up and something covered upon the road outside the shop."

Residents of the area were shocked to wake up to find their street cordoned off, however, they said that the area feels like a 'everyone is on edge'.

A local mother said: "From what I have seen there is more and more drug dealing going on in the area. You see these cars pull next to each other and pass stuff through the window.

"I don't know if this is related to anything like that but, it feels really tense around here now. Everyone is on edge, it feels like people are waiting for something to happen."

West Midlands Police is working out why the men were targeted, and is asking anyone with information to come forward.

People can contact the force using Live Chat on its website or by calling 101, and quote 20/720593/24.

Alternatively, ring independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111