West Midlands Police have arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with a shooting that left a 17-year-old boy with serious injuries. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening in the Handsworth area of Birmingham, prompting an immediate police response.
What happened
Emergency services were called to a residential street in Handsworth at around 8:30 PM following reports of gunshots. Officers discovered a teenage boy with a gunshot wound to his lower body. He was rushed to a local hospital for treatment, where his condition is described as stable but serious.
Arrest made
Within hours, police arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder. He remains in police custody for questioning. Detective Inspector Sarah Williams of the West Midlands Police Major Crime Unit said: "This was a shocking incident that has left a young man in hospital. Our officers acted swiftly to detain a suspect, and we are now conducting thorough inquiries to piece together exactly what happened."
Police have cordoned off the scene and are conducting forensic examinations. They are appealing for anyone who witnessed the shooting or has dashcam or doorbell footage from the area to come forward.
Impact on community
Local residents expressed concern following the shooting. The Handsworth area has seen sporadic gun violence in recent years, with community leaders calling for more youth engagement programmes. According to West Midlands Police crime data, the force recorded 243 gun-related offences in the 12 months to March 2024, a slight decrease from the previous year but still a cause for concern.
Police appeal
Detective Inspector Williams added: "We understand that incidents of this nature cause distress in the community. We want to reassure residents that we are doing everything possible to bring those responsible to justice. We urge anyone with information to contact us."
Anyone with information can call West Midlands Police on 101 quoting log 3456 of 15 May, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
