There have been a series of violent incidents in Birmingham over the last 24 hours, we’d like to reassure you we’re doing all we can to establish the circumstances of each of them, find those responsible, and work with you to deter any further incidents.
We’re investigating a double shooting in Western Road which happened at around 5.30pm last night (13 April) where one man died and another was seriously injured. It’s thought that they were known to each other.
An hour and a half later, at 7pm, a teenager was stabbed in Burbury Park in the Lozells area. The 14-year-old boy was stabbed multiple times, fortunately he’s not seriously injured and remains in hospital in a stable condition.
At 11.40pm we received a report that a 16-year-old boy had been shot in the arm in St. Vincent Street, he was taken to hospital for treatment to his injury, which is serious, but fortunately not life threatening.
At this early stage we’re working through the details of each incident and are keeping an open mind regarding whether they are linked in any way.
We’ve increased patrols in the areas, which includes armed officers.
On Monday (12 April) we began some intensive activity to target knife crime and wider violence.
Our activity has been focusing in the Lozells area and aims to encompass the easing of lockdown restrictions, the last week of Easter holidays and the return to school.
Our aim is to work with our communities and other agencies to:
disrupt those suspected of knife crime and violent activity often linked to gang affiliation
actively consult and invite scrutiny from the community and key stakeholders to maintain and increase community confidence
work with young people to offer support and signposting to diversionary activities
This is not a task for police alone, so we’re appealing directly to you to help us with our investigations as we know the answers to what has happened lies within our communities.
We’ve set up a dedicated web link for anyone who has information, photos or video footage regarding the murder which can be found here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/20HQ20H24-PO1
Our investigations are moving at pace, we’ve arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, he’s currently in custody.
We’ve also arrested two boys, both aged 15, on suspicion of attempted murder, in connection with the stabbing.
We have our specially trained family liaison officers supporting the family of the man who has died. We’re also supporting the other victims and their families.
We’re following many lines of enquiry for all three incidents, including conducting detailed forensic analysis, CCTV trawls and speaking to witnesses.
Superintendent Sally Simpson, from Birmingham police, said: “We understand how concerning and frightening these incidents are for people within our communities.
“My thoughts are with the loved ones of the man who tragically died. And also with the two youngsters who have been injured in these shocking violent attacks.
“Knife and gun crime is deeply concerning for all of us, we’re committed to working out exactly what has happened, why, and who was responsible.
“Too many lives have been devastated by the tragic consequences of knife and gun crime. I’d urge anyone with information to do the right thing and tell us what they know, we need to work together to prevent more people being threatened, injured or killed.”
We’re doing all we can to tackle violence in our communities. We have a dedicated violence reduction team called Project Guardian who carry out patrols, weapon sweeps, knife arch operations as well as test purchasing on retailers selling knives. They also work closely with the Violence Reduction Unit to look at preventative work and diversions for young people.
We’ve recently taken part in a national weapons surrender scheme and have set up an operation with Border Force to reduce access to imported prohibited weapons, where we are intercepting parcels at the point of entry into the UK. Code-named, Operation Nebular, we are currently intercepting around 30-40 packages containing prohibited weapons each month that were destined for addresses within the West Midlands at the border when they have been ordered online.