'Air gun shooting' probe as Oldbury road shut by police
More than ten police officers were searching a road in Oldbury today after reports that a man was shot by an air gun.
A man was treated in hospital for leg injuries after the incident, which is believed to have happened in the Rood End Road area yesterday evening.
It is not yet clear how exactly the man suffered the injuries, but reports locally suggested there may have been a shooting.
Police are investigating the possibility that the victim - who took himself to hospital with minor injuries - may have been hit with a BB gun or air weapon.
Rood End Road remained sealed off this morning between Tat Bank Road, at Rood End Medical Centre, and a short distance away at Gresham Road, by Rood End Primary School.
The search by officers appeared to centre on R.J News at the junction with Tat Bank Road.
Officers closed the road to cars after being alerted at around 9pm last night and, as residents and business owners arrived this morning, police would not let them past the cordon to their properties.
The road closure caused major delays on surrounding roads during the morning rush hour, while National Express West Midlands said services 49, 89 and 128 were being diverted as a result of the incident.
Teams of officers scoured the pavement in Tat Bank Road by R.J News and used a stepladder to search on a roof.
Residents spoke of their shock as they watched officers search the street.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "This is normally a very quiet road so it has all come as a bit of surprise.
"We were out on Tuesday night and when we got back at around 10.30pm the police had just arrived.
"Immediately they began turning cars away but we thought little of it and went to bed.
"We woke this morning to find the road still closed off. It is all very strange."
West Midlands Police spokesman Brigg Ford said: "Police were alerted at 9pm last night by staff at City Hospital reporting a man who'd presented himself to A&E with a minor wound to his leg.
"It's understood the man sustained the injury while in Tat Bank Road, Oldbury, earlier that evening.
"At this stage it's unclear how he came about his injury; the road was cordoned off to allow for a forensic search in the hope that will provide some clarity."
