Murder manhunt under way after fatal street shooting
Police have said the motive for the attack is not yet clear
A murder manhunt is under way after a fatal street shooting.
The 28-year-old male victim died at the scene shortly after being shot at about 12pm, on Thursday, despite efforts by paramedics, West Midlands Police said.
A cordon was set up at Church Road in the Erdington area of Birmingham, near its junction with Spring Lane, and detectives have been going door-to-door as the search for those responsible is continuing.
Police activity has focused on what is believed to be a black Volkswagen Golf car, which has been covered by a forensics tent.
Another tent has been put up nearby, while scenes of crimes officers in white overalls were in the road in a bid to try and establish what happened.
Meanwhile, neighbours have spoken of their shock at the fatal attack which unfolded in broad daylight, in the middle of a residential area.
The scene is also just 200 yards from the front gates of a primary school, although children have broken up for Easter.
Police said incidents of this nature were “rare” and officers would be stepping up patrols in the area to reassure residents.
One female resident, who lives just a few doors from the scene, said: “It is somebody’s brother or son. It’s very bad.”
Keith and Veronica Pepper, who live across the road, said they arrived home shortly after the shooting, but were stunned to find a huge police presence.
Mr Pepper said: “This used to be a nice area.
“There are more gangs of youths roaming around now, and I know there’s been a drug problem in the park around the corner.
“The area has changed drastically in the last two to four years.”
He added: “I’ve seen more police today than I’ve seen in the last 12 months.”
West Midlands Ambulance Service said crews arrived at the scene to find the victim in cardiac arrest, but despite advanced life support and CPR he was confirmed dead at the scene.
The area’s MP Jack Dromey said there had been a “growing problem” in the nearby High Street area of Birmingham linked to anti-social behaviour and drugs, but nothing to compare to the shooting.
He said: “The fine community of Church Road in Erdington is truly shocked by the cruel murder of a young man.
“With local people rallying around his family and friends, they speak with one voice, back the police and track down his killer.”
“We are a wonderful community here and this kind of event is rare.
“We will be working with our excellent local police in coming days and weeks, as we currently do, to ensure that these kind of incidents remain rare and Erdington remains a safe place.”
Superintendent Sarah Burton, of West Midlands Police, said: “I fully 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.
“You’ll see more officers on the streets as we’ve increased patrols to support and reassure the community through what I realise is a worrying time for them.
“No-one expects this kind of incident to happen in their community.
She added the motive of the attack was “not clear” and the hunt for “those responsible” was continuing.
Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.
