A SUSPECTED gang member has been arrested during a dawn raid this morning (Monday, February 8) in connection with a street shooting in Birmingham last month.
Officers forced entry to the house in Acocks Green at around 4am and detained a 26-year-old man on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
A gas-powered gun was also recovered from the address and will be examined by forensics experts.
It was one of three firearms warrants executed this morning by detectives investigating an exchange of gunfire on a street in Alum Rock last month.
Armed officers supported CID staff and search experts at the other raids in Small Heath and Washwood Heath.
A significant quantity of what’s believed to be crack cocaine was found at the Washwood Heath address and three people – women aged 23 and 45, plus a 49-year-old man – arrested on suspicion of drug dealing.
West Midlands Police Superintendent Kerry Blakeman oversaw the operation.
He said: “We’ve seen a number of firearms incidents in Birmingham since the turn of the year and work is going on around the clock to catch the people responsible.
“The warrants were in relation to an exchange of fire between gang members in the middle of the afternoon. It is completely unacceptable and, although it was a targeted attack and no-one was injured, an innocent member of the public could easily have been hurt.
“We are determined to stop the recent spike in gun crime and last month alone West Midlands Police made 41 arrests for firearms related offences and 24 recoveries of guns and ammunition.”
Anyone with suspicions about gun crime in their neighbourhood can speak to West Midlands Police in confidence on the 101 number, or alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
