Vandalism drama prompts crime talks in Pelsall

Worried residents called councillors after rumours circulated on social media sites that officers were searching for a man armed with either a gun or a baseball bat.

But West Midlands Police said they attended the scene after reports of criminal damage in the area in which cars were attacked.

Councillor Marco Longhi said: "Reports from residents indicated there was a fire arm involved because they had heard it being used on Friday night.

"I take these kind of reports seriously and I have set up a meeting with police and other relevant agencies to discuss this.

"The police have said they were in the area because of somebody causing damage to cars and that is appalling behaviour.

"I have driven around Pelsall and seen first hand the kind of damage that has been caused and I intend to clamp down on this sort of anti-social behaviour."

Mr Longhi said he hopes the high police presence at around 8.30pm on Saturday night will deter people from committing any more crimes and the people involved are apprehended.

Officers were assisted by a helicopter from Halfpenny Green. It is thought there were around 10 police cars scaling the area, including Ash Tree Road, High Street and Norbury Avenue.

Twitter user Rachel Heap wrote: "Someone with a gun in Pelsall apparently. Ten police cars and the helicopter," while Paul Vincent wrote: "Loads of police cars and a police helicopter circling around in Pelsall right now. Anyone know what's going on?"

Ward councillor Garry Perry has been in Pelsall at the time of the incident and said he is aware of vandalism to cars.

He added: "I was in the village 10 minutes before the police arrived and I notced car windows had been smashed in Wolverhampton Road.

"The area was a hive of activity from 8pm onwards and police were swarming the area in a helicopter and in their vans.

"They were extremely quick to react and they cannot be faulted for their actions.

"I want to let people know that we are still safe in Pelsall but if they know anyone who may have been causing damage to cars they should get in touch with the police as soon as possible."

Last week Luke Ireland was jailed for four years and nine months after pointing a BB gun at a woman and her pregnant daughter near Pelsall Labour Club.

He was later arrested after he plunged into a canal while trying to flee police and had to be fished out.