West Midlands Police have re-authorised section 60 stop-and-search powers in Birmingham tonight as the investigation into the fatal stabbing of Zeshaan Shaukat continues. The special powers, which allow officers to stop and search people without reasonable grounds, will remain in force until 3am on Thursday, September 3, covering areas including parts of Alum Rock, Saltley, Bordesley Green and Bordesley.
Targeted attack on August 25
Mr Shaukat was fatally stabbed on the driveway of his home in Ashville Avenue, Hodge Hill, at around 11.50pm on August 25, in what police described as a "targeted attack." The renewed authorisation follows the initial use of section 60 powers in the days after the murder.
This afternoon, Wednesday, September 2, West Midlands Police announced that five men have been released on bail, while a sixth man was released with no further action. The update comes as detectives continue to appeal for witnesses and any footage from the area around the time of the attack.
Arrests and vehicle stop in Bordesley Green
Officers have also increased patrols in the area as part of the ongoing investigation. On Tuesday, police stopped a vehicle in Bordesley Green, recovering drugs and cash. Three men, aged 33, 38 and 51, were detained on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and taken into custody for questioning.
In a separate incident, a 31-year-old man was held in Weoley Castle on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. The arrests are not directly linked to the murder investigation but form part of the wider police operation to disrupt criminal activity in the city.
Police commitment to community safety
Chief Inspector Chanelle Whitney said: "We won't tolerate any form of violence or criminal activity in the city, and we will continue to have a highly-visible presence. We remain committed to working with the community to listen to concerns and act on intelligence. Our focus, as always, is to help keep you safe."
Detectives investigating the murder are keen to hear from anyone with information about what happened, or footage from the area, to get in touch as soon as possible. Contact West Midlands Police via 101 or Live Chat on the force's website, quoting reference 20/376531/26.
