TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of carrying a shotgun after alleged threats were made to a Chelmsley Wood resident.
Armed police were called to Waterson Croft, Chelmsley Wood, just before 11.30am after a resident in a block of flats reported a man with a shotgun allegedly threatening to blast open his front door.
A sawn-off shotgun was recovered at the scene and a 19-year-old man arrested after being pursued into fields near the M6 motorway.
CCTV enquiries then led police to another tower block in Woodlands Way where a 21-year-old man was also detained.
Both men remain in West Midlands Police custody on suspicion of possessing a short-barrelled shotgun.
Just over an hour later, armed police were directed to Brierley Hill where a member of the public reported seeing a man armed with a knife.
A suspect was traced to an alleyway off the High Street where a West Midlands Police response officer detained a 20-year-old local man; a knife was also recovered discarded under a stairwell.
And at 3pm police received a 999 call suggesting two male youths were allegedly causing trouble in a Coventry fast-food outlet and had pointed a “handgun” at staff.
Police arrived at the Far Gosford street takeaway minutes later where two 16-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
No gun was recovered but police say they suspected an imitation firearm had been brandished.
West Midlands Police Force Incident Manager, chief inspector Andy Keast, said: “Another busy day in the life of West Midlands Police! We had approaching 2,300 emergency calls yesterday − and thanks to some great work by officers we’ve managed to make some good arrests and seizures.
“In recent weeks we’ve recorded record numbers of 999 calls for help.
“The pressure on our response crews and firearms units − who patrol the force area 24-7 to protect the public − has been significant but as these arrests show there will be no let-up from us in our pursuit of those who pose a risk to our communities.”
People should call 999 if there is an immediate threat to people or property, if a crime is in progress or if offenders are still on scene.
Otherwise, 101 is the non-emergency police number − and the answers to many queries can be found on West Midlands Police Online.
