West Midlands Police have arrested four people for drug and firearm offences following an incident where a man was shot by police in Frankley yesterday (Wednesday 26th July).
‘Critical but stable’
The man – in his early 40s – remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition this evening.
The incident happened at around 9pm in an alleyway between Hereford Close and Blackdown Close. A single shot was fired by one officer.
Four arrests
A 21 year old man was arrested at the time on suspicion of firearms offences.
West Midlands Police have this evening confirmed three further arrests – two men (17 and 20) and a woman (53) who have all been arrested in relation to drugs offences.
A large area around Hereford Close and Blackdown Close remained cordoned off this morning, with Armed Response Vehicles still on site within the cordon.
A second scene was cordoned off in nearby Epping Close – we do not have confirmation that this scene is linked.
Single shot fired by one officer
The incident is being investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) who said that initial information available to them indicated that armed police were in the area responding to intelligence received relating to firearms offences. They confirmed that evidence suggests a single shot was fired by one police officer and said that a police firearm has been secured.
Incident caught on officer’s body worn camera
The IPCC confirmed that they are gathering evidence from the scene, conducting door-to-door enquiries locally and will be reviewing police body worn video footage which captured the incident.
IPCC Commissioner Derrick Campbell, who has been at the scene today, said: “We will be carrying out a thorough, independent investigation into this serious incident, as is appropriate when police use potentially lethal force. We are making contact with the man’s family and will ensure they are updated on the progress of our investigation.”
17 years since police in West Midlands last shot anyone
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson said, “An incident like this is extremely rare in the West Midlands and, as such, I will be monitoring the situation closely. This is the first time West Midlands Police has shot someone since 2000. I scrutinise police use of force closely and I will continue to do so. Police use of firearms is closely monitored and regulated.”
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