Police still hunting gunman after shots fired from ‘speeding’ VW Golf before crash

West Midlands Police[1] are continuing their search for a gunman after shots were fired from a 'speeding' car in Wednesbury. The force confirmed on Wednesday evening, January 17, they are forensically examining a number of casings after shots were fired from a VW Golf on Woden Road East. The incident, which took place after 4pm on Tuesday January 16, saw the Golf travelling "at speed" along the residential road before crashing into "a number of other vehicles." The occupants then reportedly fled and abandoned the car off Crankhall Lane.

West Midlands Police confirmed both road names to BirminghamLive[2] on Wednesday evening following an update put out by Sandwell Police. Sandwell[3] Police took to X, formerly Twitter, to confirm they are in the early stages of their investigation, and will be stepping up patrols in the area to reassure local residents. Following the incident, buses were diverted[5] and Wednesbury locals expressed their fears and concerns on Facebook at the news a gunman was on the loose. A spokesperson for Sandwell Police said on January 17: "We're continuing to ask for information after gun shots were fired in Wednesbury yesterday (16 January).

It's understood they came from a VW Golf which was travelling at speed along Woden Road East at around 4.20pm.

"The car was then in collision with a number of other vehicles before being abandoned off Crankhall Lane shortly after. We're in the early stages of our investigation to establish exactly what happened and why. We've recovered a number of casings to be forensically examined.

"This has understandably caused concern within the area, and we've stepped up patrols as we actively work to identify who was involved. We're grateful for the support we've received from the community during our investigation and we remain keen for anyone who has witnessed this incident or has dash cam footage of what happened to contact us. You can do this via Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101, quoting log 3123 of 16/01/24."

Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp[6]

References

1. ^ West Midlands Police (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^ to BirminghamLive (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
3. ^ Sandwell (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
4. ^ Gunman hunt live after shots fired in Wednesbury drive-by incident (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
5. ^ buses were diverted (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
6. ^ BirminghamLive WhatsApp (chat.whatsapp.com)