Two children injured in shooting near Wolverhampton play area

An 11-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy both suffered leg injuries following the incident at 3pm on Monday the Shelley play area on Shelley Road, Fordhouses, Wolverhampton, where residents said they heard multiple shots.

Both children were taken to hospital in a stable condition, and thegirl is reportedly having surgery today following her injury.

Police said that shortly after the shots were fired, two cars, a suspected stolen Mini and a grey Ford Focus were reported in a chase in the Bushbury area.

A statement from West Midlands Police said: "We're investigating after emergency services were called to Bushbury in Wolverhampton just after 3pm yesterday afternoon where shots were fired in Shelley Road.

"We understand that shortly after the shots were fired, two cars, a suspected stolen black Mini and a grey Ford Focus, were reported in a chase in the Bushbury area.

"We later found the Mini abandoned in Third Avenue and it has been seized for forensic opportunities.

"We’re conducting quick-time investigations with officers making house-to-house enquiries and CCTV footage is being retrieved and reviewed.

"The scene remains cordoned off today (Tuesday) as forensic examinations continue and our teams are carrying out increased patrols in the area.

"Our officers are also liaising with partners in local schools as we understand how upsetting an incident like this can be.

"We know it is shocking, especially in a residential area, and it is a priority for us establish what happened and who is responsible.

"We'd ask anyone who was in the Bushbury area yesterday afternoon to check their dashcam and doorbell footage as they may be able to assist with our on-going enquiries."

Emergency services attended the scene including an air ambulance, where the girl was taken to hospital, and is said to be okay but will have surgery to remove the bullet today.

Officers remain at the scene this morning with the area cordoned off.

The incident is the fourth shooting in Wolverhampton in recent weeks, following shots being fired into the back of a car outside Wolverhampton College in the city's Paget Road where a man in his 20s suffered gunshot wounds in a 'targeted' attack.

Shots were also fired between two cars in a residential area of Upper Villiers Street, Wolverhampton, a few weeks ago, and just last week, a shooting took place at a venue on Bitterne Drive, Whitmore Reans.

Mr Sayed, who lives on Shelley Road described the events, he said: "This is usually a nice, quiet neighbourhood and so it was surprising to hear what went on.

"We heard multiple shots, and then suddenly everyone in the road rushed out to the scene and helped in any way we could.

"I'd like to hope it is an one-off incident as like I said, it is usually quiet here.

"Whilst it isn't scary or cause fear, it is just shocking it happened here."

The incident took place behind Elston Hall Primary School, which is open today as normal.

A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 3.12pm to a shooting nearby to Shelley Road and Three Tuns Lane in Bushbury, Wolverhampton.

"Two ambulances, two paramedic officers, a trauma doctor and critical care paramedic and the Midland Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene. Upon arrival we found a boy and a girl with serious injuries that were not life threatening.

"They received treatment from ambulance staff at the scene before being conveyed to hospital for further treatment.”

The headteacher of the school sent a letter out to parents yesterday to reassure parents staff would be on hand to support pupils if needed.

Another resident who did not want to be named, said her great-grandson was at the park just a minute before.

She added: "It is absolutely frightening as for me, my great-grandson was at the park playing right there, but he had to come home because he had ripped his trousers.

"So if it wasn't for that happening to him, he would have been there at the scene and could have been in the incident.

"It is very scary to think about, and of course I'm grateful my great-grandson wasn't shot but somebody else's daughter or granddaughter was, and that is scary.

"It is frightening to think that kids are playing innocently in a park enjoying their bank holiday, but they can still become involved in an incident like this despite being completely innocent and going about their normal day.

"Whilst yes the girl has survived she will be traumatised for the rest of her life after that, and it is frightening. But unfortunately it is a case of what can you do, it's just heads down otherwise you live in fear of having your windows smashed in.

"My granddaughter heard the shots and ran out straight away, she could hear the girl screaming and my grandson got some dressings from his home, and everyone helped the ambulance staff as much as they could.

"It made me think of that little girl in Liverpool that got shot, and that was innocent and this was almost the same thing and it could have been a lot worse but thankfully not."

Another concerned resident added: "It's actually not surprising to hear of a shooting.

"Shootings have been happening regularly in Wolverhampton now.

"There needs to be CCTV installed on the car park and the back of the school needs to be locked off because at the moment it is inviting people to chill in the car park.

"It's sad that an innocent girl got caught in the middle of it but it actually happens a lot in the city, it just doesn't get reported a lot.

"It isn't scary for me, but it is shocking, especially happening close to home."

Anyone with information have been advised to contact the police quoting investigation 20/393687/23.