Residents speak of shock after man shot in stomach in Tipton

Five other people, including a baby, were in the house at the time of the terrifying ordeal.

The 22-year-old man was taken to hospital following the shooting in Turton Road and he is now believed to be in a stable condition.

The three raiders, described as black afro-Carribean and were wearing balaclavas, demanded money but made off empty handed.

None of the five other people in the house at the time of the attack were hurt.

A police cordon was put in place at the property while forensic investigators examined the scene and officers conducted house-to-house enquiries. The cordon has since been lifted.

Police, who are trawling CCTV in the area, have also launched an appeal in a bid to track down the three masked men who struck at the house on Friday night.

Detective Sergeant Adam Austin, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the family and we urgently need to track down the men responsible.

"Fortunately the victim is expected to make a full recovery.

"I would urge anyone with information to contact me as soon as possible," he said.

Neighbours said the area was swarming with police cars and armed officers shortly after the incident, which happened at around 8pm on Friday. Residents have spoken of their shock.

Mother-of-four Lorraine Hobday, aged 47, said: "It's a bit scary really.

"It could have happened to anyone in the area.

"This area is alright normally. I've been here eight years.

"It's a shame. It's a family who live there and they are very nice people. I hope he's going to be okay.

"When I looked out there were lots of police cars and an ambulance. People were at their doors looking out."

Father-of-three Darren Hall said the drama had left him feeling angry.

The 44-year-old said: "It's angered me knowing it's on your own doorstep.

"I have three children as well. The people who live there are lovely. I get on well with them.

"You get the odd few things happening around here but it's normally quiet."

A 77-year-old man, who did not want to be named, said: "I saw all the blue flashing lights. There were nine police cars at least and they cordoned off the house.

"They were here all night. There were armed officers here.

"The ambulance was in the middle of the road. It was sitting there with its doors open. I didn't hear any shots.

"It's a bit shocking in a way. You don't expect things like that to happen, especially here."

Princes End Councillor Bill Cherrington said: "It is shocking for something like this to happen.

"It's not good."

Amy Smith, manager of The Finest Catch in nearby High Street, Tipton, said the shooting had uneased the community.

The 26-year-old, of Tipton, said: "I was in my house on my own when I heard the news and my instant reaction was to lock the doors.

"Tipton is not a place where there are guns being used. You hear about that more in Birmingham.

"It has been a shock to quite a few people to know it's so close to home. It does make you feel quite unsettled knowing I live not too far away.

"I was driving past the house early on Saturday morning and I saw the house taped off. There was a police car outside.

"It has uneased everybody."

Lee Stacey, aged 37, who works as the kitchen manager in the fish and chip shop, added: "I'm quite shocked. It's unbelievable. That's a terrible thing to happen.

"It's totally out of character for the area."

Ricky Singh, manager of Simply Convenience in High Street, added: "I heard the police sirens so I knew something must have happened.

"It's kind of scary really."

Anyone with information can contact DS Austin on 101 or alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.