A suspected gunman has been arrested following a disorder in Alum Rock after Police found him hiding in a bush.
Our firearms officers, dog handler and police helicopter teamed up to find the man lying low near Anthony Road last night (15 July) shortly after he’s suspected of brandishing a firearm during the disorder in Tarry Road.
A BMW believed to have been involved in the trouble was found crashed and a thermal imaging camera operator on board the helicopter detected a heat source in nearby bushes where a 24-year-old man was detained.
He was arrested on suspicion of possessing of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and remains in police custody.
Police are also questioning him about an incident in Naseby Road on Wednesday evening when it’s understood the occupants of a car were threatened with a gun.
Two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, suffered head injuries during the disorder; the 16-year-old was treated in hospital but later discharged.
A forensic examination is being carried out as our enquiries continue.
DS Simon Hanlon from Force CID said: “This is a complex and fast-paced job and officers are working to establish the circumstances around both of the incidents.
“Due to the proximity of the two offences, Police are keeping an open mind as to whether they are linked, and this will form part of the investigation.
“We are appealing to anyone with CCTV or who witnessed either of these incidents to contact us with any information. We are also appealing to anyone who saw a grey coloured BMW in and around the area over the past few days to contact us.”