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Shots fired in second drive-by shooting in Smethwick in 24 hours

Shots were fired from a car in Smethwick in the second drive-by shooting in 24 hours.

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Police at the scene of the second shooting in Smethwick, in Newmans Close. Picture: @SnapperSK

Up to three shots were heard in Newmans Close just before 9.30pm last night and the windows of a Vauxhall Corsa were damaged.

Police said there were no reported injuries.

Police at the scene of the second shooting in Smethwick, in Newmans Close. Picture: @SnapperSK

The shooting comes 24 hours after a man was seriously injured in a separate drive-by shooting two miles away in Mallin Streeton Tuesday evening.

The victim, a 21-year-old man, suffered a serious eye injury in the gun attack and remains in hospital.

People living near the scene claim to have heard six gun shots ring out during the attack and no arrests have yet been made.

Police make searches around parked cars in Newmans Close, Smethwick, on Wednesday night. Picture: @SnapperSK

Police say the man was walking along when a large dark coloured 4x4 type car stopped alongside him.

Shots were fired towards him before the car was driven away, say West Midlands Police.

Two cars parked nearby are believed to have damage to their windscreens due to the incident.

Now police have said they have stepped up patrols, and are keeping an open mind as to whether the two shootings are linked.

Chief Inspector Keeley Bevington from Sandwell police, said: “I understand the shock and concern of residents in the area. I’d like to reassure you that incidents like this are rare and we’re doing all we can to find those responsible.

“We’ve increased patrols in the area to support and reassure the community through what I realise may be a worrying time for them.

“My officers are working closely with other force colleagues to conduct a thorough and timely investigation. If anyone has any concerns or comments about policing in the area, they can talk to the officers who will be on patrol or get in touch via Live Chat or 101."

Sandwell Council cabinet member Councillor Wasim Ali said: “Incidents like this are always a concern and the council will continue to work with the police and our partners to tackle crime and improve community safety.

“We support the police in their inquiries and I would encourage members of the public to report any information they may have on these incidents.”

And yesterday afternoon up to 20 schoolchildren were involved in a disorder which left one person with a stab wound in Cape Hill.

A 15-year-old boy and 24-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, they remain in police custody.

Police cordon off roads in Cape Hill, Smethwick, after violence flared. Picture: @SnapperSK

One person was left with a stab wound and another with a head injury.

Sandwell Council cabinet member Councillor Wasim Ali appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

He said: “Incidents like this are always a concern and the council will continue to work with the police and our partners to tackle crime and improve community safety.

“We support the police in their inquiries and I would encourage members of the public to report any information they may have on these incidents.”

Over in West Bromwich a man was left fighting for his life after suffering multiple stab wounds outside a pubon Saturday.

A police tent and cordon outside the Flower Pot pub, in Spon Lane, West Bromwich. Picture: @SnapperSK

The man was attacked after a fight broke out outside the Flower Pot Pub, in Spon Lane, at 6.40pm.

The victim was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

And two days later a teenage boy was slashed on the arm in a stab attack in West Bromwich town centre.

The 16-year-old was attacked in West Bromwich Ringway on Monday afternoon.

Police have arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with the stabbing which happened at around 3.35pm.

If anyone has any information about the Newlands Close shooting contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.pnn.police.ukbetween 8am and midnight or call 101 anytime quoting log number 2547 of October 9.

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