A gunman in a triple shooting in Birmingham fired at mourners on their way to a wake, locals claimed today. Sources close to Hamstead Road, Handsworth, relived the horror at around 6pm last night (Friday 24th February).
A community source told BirminghamLive that the violence broke out early in the evening during a wake. They asked not to be named but said crowds had gathered after a funeral.
They claimed the gunmen drove up in a car before firing shots as mourners looked on in terror. The source described hearing sirens and seeing flashing blue lights a short time later.
READ MORE: Live updates as community is rocked by triple shooting of teens
West Midlands Police and paramedics were alerted to the scene near St Mary’s Church and discovered a 19-year-old man with gunshot wounds. A short time later, two other men, both 19, entered A&E with gunshot wounds.
Police said a 19-year-old man was treated by paramedics for a gunshot wound to the leg before being taken to hospital. They said of the other two men: one suffered a foot injury and the second, a chest injury.
Two men remain in hospital in stable condition today, while the third, with the foot injury, has been released. An 18-year-old man arrested nearby last night on suspicion of possession of a knife, remains in police custody.
“There was a funeral,” they said. “That was where the shooting happened. Someone was driving by and shot someone in the leg.”
When asked if it was a drive-by shooting, the witness replied, “Yes.” The source went on to say that the area had been cordoned off overnight with forensic teams working around the clock.
They said they had grown up in the area and worried it would return to darker days.
“This used to happen 20 or 25 years ago,” they added. “This is probably the first time in a long time that something like this has happened, especially on our doorstep.”
Detective Inspector Matt Underwood, of Force CID, said: “We understand that incidents of this nature are shocking and we are fully investigating all lines of investigation.
“We have already spoken to a number of people who were on site, but we also urge anyone who can help us further with our queries to get in touch.”
Anyone who has heard or seen anything, or has security camera or security camera footage, is urged to contact the police by calling 101 or via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website citing registration 3095 of February 24. Anonymous reports can be made through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Keep up with the latest developments in the triple shot via our live blog here.
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