A gun and knife gang were jailed for more than three decades after an attempted robbery in Birmingham, with one member still on the run. West Midlands Police launched a probe after a man was threatened and hurt by three armed men on Somerville Road in Small Heath on July 20 last year. They demanded his keys and money, but he did not suffer serious injuries.
Detectives quickly identified a vehicle suspected of being involved, and it was found less than a mile away at an address on Fourth Avenue just 30 minutes later. A search of that address led to the discovery of a shotgun hidden in a gas meter cupboard. A further search of a vehicle linked to the investigation also saw two machetes recovered, while a zombie knife and lock knife were also seized.
Two Birmingham men were arrested in the following weeks, and a third was arrested trying to flee the country. All were charged with various offences and sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court last Friday, May 1.
Sentences handed down
Luqman Yusuf, 23, of Deakins Road, Yardley, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, possession of a firearm, and two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. He was jailed for 13 years and two months. Sahil Ali, 19, of Newland Road, Bordesley Green, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, possession of a firearm, possession of offensive weapons including a machete and zombie knife, and possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs. He was jailed for 10 years and two months. Abdirahmaan Hussein, 23, of Arthur Street, Small Heath, failed to attend the trial but was found guilty of attempted robbery, possession of a firearm, and possession of an offensive weapon. He was sentenced to eight years. Hussein was sentenced in his absence, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Police comment
Det Con Sam Higginson, from the Major Crime Unit, said: “We acted quickly following the initial attempted robbery report, and that investigative work ultimately led to dangerous weapons being seized and three offenders arrested. Our team of officers worked hard to bring the three to justice, and we are pleased to see they have been given these sentences for their crimes.” Major Crime Det Insp Ian Wilkins added: “We are clear that drugs and weapons have no place on the streets of the West Midlands, and we have teams of officers working relentlessly to combat serious and organised crime. This investigation shows how we work at pace to target offenders, disrupting, arresting, and charging them – and seizing the weapons they are using. This work doesn’t stop, and I would urge anyone with information about this type of crime to contact us.”
