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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Sam Hancock

Two in hospital after Smethwick shooting

Photograph: Birmingham Live

Two men have been taken to hospital after suffering serious injuries in a shooting in the West Midlands.

Police said the victims, aged 19 and 20, are in a stable condition following reports of disorder in the Bearwood area Smethwick.

Officers were called to the scene in Poplar Road at about 10pm on Wednesday, at which point Bearwood Road was sealed off at the junction of Poplar Road.

The incident sparked a huge emergency service response with videos on social media showing multiple police vehicles, including an incident support unit van, all present.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remains in custody.

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Commenting on the incident, Detective Inspector Jackie Nicholson, of West Midlands Police, said: “We’re doing all we can to understand the circumstances, find those responsible and take robust action against those who think it's acceptable to carry weapons on our streets.

“I would urge anyone with information, or if anyone who was in the area has dashcam footage, to please get in touch as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service told local reporters: “Two ambulances, two paramedic officers, a MERIT doctor and a BASICS doctor attended the scene.

“On arrival we discovered two male patients. Both of whom received treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital in a serious condition.

“Both patients had a doctor travel with them to help continue treatment en route to hospital.”

Additional reporting by PA

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