Shooting Leaves One Dead, One Injured
West Midlands Police have issued an urgent appeal for information to trace five men wanted in connection with a fatal shooting in Birmingham. The incident occurred on Sunday, 26 February, at around 9:30 pm in the Handsworth area, where a 26-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene and a second man, aged 30, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Details of the Incident
Emergency services were called to reports of gunfire on Rookery Road, where they found the two victims. The 26-year-old was treated by paramedics but sadly died at the scene. The 30-year-old was taken to hospital for treatment and has since been discharged. Police believe the shooting was targeted and are treating it as a murder investigation.
Wanted Men Described
Detectives have released images and descriptions of the five suspects they wish to speak to. They are described as black males, aged between 20 and 30. One suspect is known to frequent the Handsworth and Winson Green areas. Police are urging anyone who recognises them or has information on their whereabouts to come forward.
Appeal for Witnesses
Detective Inspector Jim Colclough, from the Homicide Team, said: “We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened, or who has any information about the five men we are looking for, to get in touch. We believe there were a number of people in the vicinity who may have seen the suspects before or after the shooting.” He added: “Any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial to our investigation.”
Community Impact
The shooting has shocked the local community, with residents expressing concern over the violence. Police have increased patrols in the area to provide reassurance and are working with community leaders to gather intelligence. The family of the deceased man are being supported by specially trained officers.
How to Help
West Midlands Police are asking anyone with information to contact them via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, call 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting log 4520 of 26 February. They have also urged the public not to approach the suspects but to report any sightings immediately.
