Police have been given special powers after a gunman opened fire on mourners during a wake in shocking scenes of violence. Emergency services rushed to Hamstead Road, Handsworth, around 6:00pm yesterday (24 February).
It comes after a community source told Birmingham Live that crowds had gathered after a funeral. They claimed the gunmen drove up in a car before firing as terrified witnesses looked on.
West Midlands Police have moved to reassure residents following the incident. And now officers will have new powers to stop and search people in certain areas.
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A short message on social media read: “We are using additional powers in areas of Birmingham tonight, including Handsworth, Aston and Perry Barr. (They will be in place) until midnight tonight.”
“This is to keep people safe after a shooting in Handsworth last night. Section 60 powers give us the ability to stop and search people without reasonable cause and will be used in the areas below “.
In its latest update, the force said it was continuing an investigation after shots were fired at a “large gathering.”
A 19-year-old man was treated by paramedics for a gunshot wound to the leg before being taken to hospital. Two other teenagers, also 19, went to the hospital separately with injuries.
A statement said: “Two men remain in hospital in stable condition today, while (a) third has been released. An 18-year-old man arrested nearby last night on suspicion of possession of a knife remains in police custody.”
“There is still a cordon in place today after we sealed off the area for a forensic search. Investigators have been speaking to witnesses and are reviewing CCTV footage of the area as part of our ongoing investigations. Officials from our local teams also They are conducting additional patrols to support the community.”
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 the scene, but we also urge anyone who can help us further with our inquiries to get in touch.”
Anyone who has heard or seen anything, or has dash cam or CCTV footage, should call the police on 101 or send a live chat message via the police website. West Midlands citing record 3095 dated 24 February. Information can be passed on anonymously if preferred via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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