Category: Crime

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NEWS: Quick arrest made after “disorder” on Erdington High Street puts man in “life threatening condition”

Words by Erdington Local editorial team / Pics taken from archive

Police have made a quick arrest after a vicious knife attack during a “disorder” on Erdington High Street put a man in hospital in a “life threatening condition.”

Officers were called an incident near Six Ways Island at 5.10pm yesterday (Thursday, 20 June) following reports of fighting at the top end of the High Street.

Arriving at the scene, officers found a man with knife wounds who was immediately rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.

A few hours after the stabbing a man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and possessing a bladed article.

An immediate investigation began, with officers knocking on doors and closing parts of the High Street off the public. Parts of the busy retail area remained cordoned off overnight as forensic officers continued to collect evidence.

A statement from West Midlands Police said: “We’ve arrested a man after being called to reports of a disorder on Erdington High Street at about 5.10pm today.

“Officers attended and found a man who had suffered a knife injury. He was taken to hospital where we understand he’s in a life-threatening condition.

“A short time later officers arrested a man on suspicion of wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article.

“Part of Erdington High Street has been cordoned off as we remain at the scene, with forensic experts examining the area.”

The police added: “Officers are reviewing CCTV and carrying out door-to-door enquiries as the investigation continues.

“Anyone with information or footage can contact us via Live Chat or by calling 101, quoting log 3798 of 20 June.”

The stabbing on 20 June is yet another violent incident on Erdington High Street this month, as the once busy throughfare becomes more and more synonymous with crime and anti-social behaviour.

On 7 June another man was found with “life threatening injuries” after officers discovered the victim near Harrison Road during a routine patrol.

Last Wednesday, 12 June, another man was arrested in connection with a robbery and reports were made a man seen “threatening people with a hammer”.

Following the attack yesterday, social media was flooded with residents concerned about rising crime in the wake of another violent attack.

Eileen Monaghan said: “Yet another stabbing on the High St. When are the authorities going to go something about the open drug dealing and drinking on the High Street?”

She added: “There is a PSPO Public Space Protection order on the High Street yet not enforced. Why not?

“Are the police are too afraid the walk the High St or is there too much paperwork for them to fill out?”

West Midlands Police have asked the anyone with information or footage that might help their investigation into the attack on 20 June can contact the force via Live Chat – or by calling 101 and quoting log 3798 of 20 June.

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NEWS: Castle Vale Councillor to hold ‘Crime and Community Safety Summit’ at Greenwood Academy on 18 May

Words & pics by Ed King / Profile pic supplied by Cllr Ray Goodwin

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin (Labour) is to hold a special ‘Crime and Community Safety Summit’ to address concerns of crime and policing on the estate.

Scheduled for Saturday 18 May, the event will be held in Greenwood Academy’s main school hall from 1:30pm – open to all and free to attend.

Local residents and community groups will be invited, as will the local police force, representatives from the estate’s main housing provider The Pioneer Group, and the Erdington constituency MP Paulette Hamilton.

Cllr Goodwin has informed Erdington Local he will further be inviting the sitting West Midlands Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner, who will both begin their new terms in office from 2 May.

Cllr Goodwin has organised the public meeting after being “fed up” with the “hands off approach” to policing on Castle Vale, and the dangers a lack of visible police presence can allow.

Having held a previous public meeting about safety on the estate in 2023, Cllr Goodwin has pushed forward this year’s ‘crime summit’ after police seemingly ignored local witness reports of gun shots following a “violent disorder” on the High Street on Thursday 5 April.

According to the police’s initial statement issued on Friday 6 April, the attack, which took place in broad daylight in and around the Nisa convenience store, was isolated to “four masked men – understood to be carrying machetes”.

However, multiple Castle Vale locals reported hearing what they believed to be gun shots and took to social media to warn others about the incident.

Cllr Goodwin repeatedly petitioned police to escalate their investigation and take seriously the potential involvement of firearms, even taking them to where spent shotgun cartridges had been found near the scene of the crime.

Days later and after heavy rainfall, police returned to continue with forensic investigations, stating they had received “a report of a firearm being discharged” and were “keeping an open mind” about the nature of the assault.

Cllr Goodwin told Erdington Local: “Like many residents, I am fed up with what feels like a hands off approach from the police when it comes to crime on Castle Vale. I understand budgets have been cut, but the lack of police presence on the estate is a serious concern.

“Plus, the seeming unwillingness to listen to local residents is totally unacceptable – we should be working together to keep Castle Vale safe; residents should not have to push the police into action over reports of serious crime.”

Crime on Castle Vale is often a cause for concern amongst the local residents, businesses, and civic stakeholders who live and work on the estate. In a recent Ward meeting, one of the action plan points was how to make Castle Vale ‘bold and safe’ – with a formal request to see the estate’s CCTV upgraded featured on the meeting minutes.

The absence of a local police station in Castle Vale has also often been criticised, following its closure after West Midlands Police announced an initial 28 community stations were getting axed in 2015. The building, situated at the end of Castle Vale High Street, has now been converted into apartments.

But whilst the impact of crime and the loss of community policing is felt across the city, there are a mix of opinions about how these issues directly affect life on the north Birmingham estate.

One Castle Vale resident told Erdington Local: “I don’t think the policing on Castle Vale is any worse than other areas of Birmingham. The recent incident (on 5 April) highlighted the fact that the police need to listen to the residents more and take on board what they say. 

“If it hadn’t been for Cllr Ray Goodwin and Erdington Local, they would not have investigated the firearms involvement. A bigger police presence would be appreciated at night when the street cruising and racing around the estate is rife.”

However, another Castle Vale local and young mother added: “I can’t let my children play out on the estate due to the amount of violent crime which goes unchecked. If there was a more visible police presence there wouldn’t be as many teenagers out to cause trouble. 

“Youngsters on motorbikes race round the estate and, even if reported, the police don’t come to investigate or find them. We also need the CCTV system to be fully functioning and monitored 24 hours a day.”

Organised by Cllr Ray Goodwin, the ‘Crime and Community Safety Summit’ will be held at Greenwood Academy from 1:30pm on Saturday 18 May – free to attend and open to all.

Updates will be posted online at www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale and on Erdington Local

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NEWS: Erdington MP calls on Police Chief to “walk along Erdington High Street” over fears of “concerning levels of crime”

Words & pics by Ed King

Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton has called on the West Midlands Police Chief Constable to “walk along Erdington High Street” with her, to see firsthand the “concerning levels of crime and anti-social behaviour” that blight Erdington Town Centre.

In an open letter sent earlier this week to the region’s most senior police officer, Ms Hamilton MP raised the alarm over policing in the retail district – stating crime on the High Street was one of the “main reasons constituents contact my office” and that “despite considerable efforts” from both the police and local officials, the MP has “not seen a clear improvement in over a year”.

The letter, addressed to West Midlands Police (WMP) Chief Constable Craig Guildford and dated 21 September, goes on to challenge one of the key promises made by the regional police force – namely that WMP are committed to ‘Providing a service that works for local people’.

In response to this commitment, which is the first of the three ‘strategic pillars’ WMP outline in their official strategy for policing in the region, Ms Hamilton states this promise is “simply not being met when it comes to Erdington High Street”.

The letter concludes with a request for the Chief Constable to “reassure” the Erdington MP “the High Street is a priority” and an invitation to join Ms Hamilton “on a walk along Erdington High Street to discuss the next steps we can take together”.

At the time of writing, the Erdington MP’s office had received not yet received a response from Chief Constable Craig Guildford or WMP about the letter.

Crime and anti-social behaviour on Erdington High Street have long been a concern for local businesses, shoppers, and residents alike – with stores reportedly losing out on thousands a week from aggressive shoplifters, and members of the public telling Erdington Local they are increasing afraid to shop there.

Recently, the Erdington Business Improvement District employed a second Street Warden to help support local businesses and shoppers.

But a perceived lack of uniformed presence on the High Street has left both the private security and retail staff feeling dangerously unsupported, with members of the public also questioning where the police foot patrols have gone.

In West Midlands Police’s official strategy document, published on their website, the regional force declares a ‘new local policing model’ which will present ‘a local, visible police service, delivered in the heart of our diverse communities.’

Under the first heading of ‘Providing a service that works for local people’ – as referenced in the letter from Ms Hamilton MP – West Midlands Police say: ‘People can expect to see more officers spending more time in their local community, understanding and preventing local problems’.

Regarding crime on Erdington High Street specifically, Chief Constable Craig Guildford has previously told Erdington Local: “First and foremost we’re (WMP) absolutely committed to providing the best service we can to the residents, business owners, and any visitors to the High Street in Erdington.”

A meeting to discuss crime on the High Street alongside the local police teams, with local retailers and residents also invited to attend, has been scheduled for 19 October – as arranged by the Erdington MP’s office.

For more from Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton visit www.paulettehamilton.org

To read more about West Midlands Police’s ‘Mission, Vision, Values, Behaviours and Strategy’ visit www.west-midlands.police.uk/about-us/vision-values-strategy

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NEWS: Short Heath Road stabbing victim suffered ‘serious but not life-threatening’ injuries, emergency services confirm

Words by Ed King / Pics by Estelle Murphy

A man who was stabbed on Short Heath Road yesterday suffered ‘serious but not life-threatening’ injuries, emergency services have confirmed.

The victim, who has identified as 20 years old, was treated at the scene after the alarm was raised at around 5pm on Tuesday 3 July – following an attack that saw ‘injuries to his chest and arm.’

Centred around the Lifestyle Express newsagent on Short Heath Road, West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to an incident at 5.09pm – with the first ambulance arriving at the scene in only three minutes.

An unconfirmed post on Erdington Local’s social media, following our initial report of the attack, suggests the young man went into the popular convenience store seeking help after being stabbed on the street – with staff administering first aid and alerting the emergency services.

West Midlands Ambulence Service further told a second ambulance, a paramedic officer, the West Midlands Care Team, a MERIT trauma doctor, and critical care paramedic also attended – with witnesses seeing police cordon off the entrance to Short Heath Road from Station Road.

Witnesses to the response further say they saw ambulance crew attending to the victim for around 20 minutes before taking him away from the scene, presumably to hospital for further care.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman told: “On arrival, crews found a man with serious injuries.

“Ambulance staff immediately began administering advanced trauma care before he was conveyed to hospital for further treatment.”

A spokesperson from West Midlands Police added: “We’re investigating after a man was found with stab injuries in Short Heath Road, Erdington, at around 5pm yesterday (Tues).

“Officers attended and the 20-year-old was being treated by paramedics for injuries to his chest and arm. He was taken to hospital and is understood to be in a serious but not life-threatening condition.

“Neighbourhood teams are patrolling in the area to offer reassurance to residents. Anyone with information can contact investigators via Live Chat on our website or call 101, quoting crime reference number 20/576105/23.”

Following the first reports of the attack by Erdington Local, many people took to social media to lament the rise in knife crime over recent years – alongside a stripped back and arguably underfunded local police force.

However, others were also quick to recognise the issue as a citywide concern.

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NEWS: Police shut off Short Heath Road after reported stabbing in local newsagent

Words by Ed King & Estelle Murphy / Pics & video by Estelle Murphy

Police shut off Short Heath Road this afternoon, following reports of a stabbing at the Lifestyle Express newsagent – next to the Facethetics beauty salon and just opposite The Red Lion Pub.

Full details of the incident are yet to be confirmed by emergency services, although Erdington Local had a reporter at the scene talking to the many local residents who were witnessing events.

Rush hour traffic was brought to a standstill after emergency services attended the scene at around 5pm, with hundreds of commuters forced to take alternative routes following a police cordon blocking the entrance to Short Heath Road from Station Road.

Pictures taken from the scene show at least four marked police cars and one ambulance in attendance, as blue police tape is extended to block off the busy thoroughfare.

Witnesses at the scene further told they saw police dog vans, a Critical Care Team vehicle, and an armed response unit also attend.

One eyewitness told Erdington Local: “I think it happened at around 5pm, I saw them (emergency services) working on a young man, possibly in his early twenties, for about 20 minutes before the took him away. I’m pretty sure he was stabbed, possibly by a machete.”

Another explained: “I was driving home, down Station Road, and the traffic was almost gridlock. Then I saw all the flashing lights and eventually the police tape.

“It’s just a regular afternoon, a Monday. You don’t expect to literally run into a crime scene on your way back from work.”

Police at the scene were not able to confirm or deny any information. Erdington Local has contacted the emergency services involved for more information or an official public statement.

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NEWS: Police investigation ongoing after man stabbed in “isolated incident” on Paget Road on Sunday night

Words & pics by Liam Smith

Police were called to Paget Road, Pype Hayes, last night after a man in his 20s was stabbed not far from an entrance to Paget Primary school.

The attack took place by the entrance to the school car park near the corner of Westmead Cresent, but the attack was reportedly an “isolated incident” unrelated to the school.

The call was made roughly at 9:30pm on Sunday, 26 March, with emergency services responding quickly and placing a cordon on the small dead end area outside the school car park gates.

A spokesperson for West Midlands ambulance service confirmed: “We were called to reports of a stabbing on Paget Road at 9:31pm, one ambulance, two paramedic officers and a trauma doctor attended the scene.

“We discovered one male patient who was treated for serious injuries before being taken to hospital for further assessment.”

Attending the scene late last night, Erdington Local arrived to see a single police van and two officers, with the scene under control and no visible threat to public safety.

Officers quickly assured the stabbing was not believed to be life threatening, despite the serious injuries sustained, explaining the “victim is in hospital now” and believed to be making “a good recovery”.

Forensics had been called to visit the crime scene.

Access to the rest of Paget Road was only possible via Westmead Crescent until the scene cleared, with officers protecting a police crime scene tent as their investigation continued.

This morning officers were again patrolling streets near the scene, assuring local residents the attack last night was “an isolated incident” and there was no danger to local residents or Paget Primary School, which neighbours the area where the attack to place.

Police were able to tell they believed the attack was carried out by people not local to Pype Hayes and again confirmed there is no threat to those in the local area.

A statement from West Midlands Police, issued today, stated: “We’re investigating after a man was found with stab wounds in Paget Road, Erdington, at just after 9:35pm yesterday (26 March).

“The man, aged in his 20s, has been taken to hospital with injures which are not believed to be life threatening.”

“It’s understood his car was taken after he was attacked and enquiries into who was involved are ongoing.”

Reports of knife crime, especially amongst young people, has been on the rise across the UK in recent years, with the cyclical nature of threat and violence seeing stabbings become more and more common place.

According to the Office for National Statistics “Knife-enabled crime recorded by the police saw a 10% increase to 49,027 offences in the year ending March 2022, from 44,642 in the year ending March 2021.”

According to www.ukcrimestats.com, the Erdington Constituency has the highest suburban crime rate across Birmingham – second only to Ladywood, which encapsulates parts of the City Centre.

From Nov ’21 to Nov ’23, there were nearly 100 more crimes in Erdington involving weapons than the next highest West Midlands constituency in Wolverhampton Soth West.

West Midlands Police are yet to confirm any arrests for the attack on Paget Road on the evening of 26 March but the investigation remains ongoing.

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NEWS: Local businesses invited to hear ‘10 point plan’ to tackle crime on Erdington High Street – meeting on Thursday 23 March

Words & pics by Ed King

On Thursday 23 March, local businesses and retailers are invited to a meeting with Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police, to hear their combined ’10 point plan’ to tackle crime on Erdington High Street and in the Town Centre.

Crime and antisocial behaviour have become key concerns in the central Erdington shopping district, with High Street retailers losing thousands each week to shoplifters and many local residents feeling unsafe to visit the area.

Organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) and Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton, the meeting is a continuation of consultations between the elected officials and the local business community – this month to be held at Oikos Café and Church at 6pm on Thursday 23 March.

Anyone wishing to attend should contact the EBID to register a place by emailing [email protected] or sending a message through their Facebook page – click here.

Local businesses and retailers can also secure a place at the meeting by emailing Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton’s office at [email protected]

Promoting the event, a message on the Erdington BID Facebook page said: “The next police and crime meeting, focusing on Erdington Town Centre will take place on Thursday March 23rd at Oikos Church, Erdington High Street at 6pm.

“West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council will be talking through their 10 point plan to help improve the High Street moving forward.”

Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton added: “At my previous meeting in February, I heard many local traders talk about the problems they are facing on the High Street. There is no doubt that something needs to be done to improve the situation if we want to prevent more shops from closing.

“This week, I have called a follow-up meeting with local businesses and look forward to hearing about Birmingham City Council’s action plan for our High Street.

“I’m pleased that we are making progress and I hope to see as many local businesses as possible at the meeting.”

Erdington suffers with a higher than average crime rate across the city, with an already stretched local police force facing a huge challenge with limited resources.

Since 2010, police teams across the region have been decimated by budget cuts – losing around 50% of officers dedicated to neighbourhood and community policing.

But in a recent meeting Chief Constable Craig Guildford maintained his force’s commitment to “…providing the best service we can to the residents, business owners, and any visitors to the High Street in Erdington.”

He added: “I definitely need people to report (crimes), to ring 999, if there’s a shoplifter detained that kicking off or assaulting anybody.

“And at the same time, I’d also encourage you to engage the BID and encourage the local businesses to work with the BID as well.”

To secure a place at the crime strategy meeting at Oikos Café on Thursday 23 March, at 6pm, email [email protected] or [email protected]

For more on the Erdington BID visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk or www.facebook.com/erdingtonBID  
For more from Paulette Hamilton visit www.paulettehamilton.org

For more on Oikos Café visit www.oikoscafe.co.uk

If you have been a victim of crime on Erdington High Street we want to hear your story – please get in touch with us at: [email protected]

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NEWS: All three men charged with Cody Fisher Boxing Day murder plead not guilty at Birmingham Crown

Words by Ed King

All three men charged with the Boxing Day murder of Cody Fisher (23) pleaded not guilty in a hearing at Birmingham Crown Court today, Friday 17 March.

Appearing via video link, Kami Carpenter (21), Remy Gordon (22), and Erdington teenager Reegan Anderson (18) also pleaded not guilty to a further charge of affray.

The three men accused have been detained in separate prisons across the West Midlands: HMP Brinsford (Wolverhampton), HMP Hewell (Worcestershire), and HMP Birmingham (Winson Green).

Presiding over the hearing, Judge Melbourne Inman KC set a trail date for 3 July, advising the court and defendants the case could take up to four weeks to be heard in full.

If found guilty of murder, all three men – tried as adults – would be looking at a mandatory life sentence.

Under the Criminal Justice Act 2003, affray refers to violent conduct in public setting ‘such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness… to fear for their own personal safety’ and could carry a sentence of up to three years following a conviction.

Cody Fisher was fatally stabbed at the Crane nightclub, Digbeth, on Boxing Day last year – pronounced dead at the scene despite the best efforts of emergency services attending the incident.

Mr Fisher was a semi-professional footballer from Redditch, who had been part of the Blues Academy and played for teams in Bromsgrove, Stourbridge, and Stratford.

Following the killing on 26 December, Kami Carpenter and Remy Gordon were initially arrested – with Erdington’s Reegan Anderson the last to be formally charged on 12 January 2023.

During the hearing on Friday 17 March, which was to establish the defendants’ pleas and for the court to outline their preparation for trial, the defence counsels for each man accused were asked if they accepted the fact each individual was at the Crane nightclub on the evening of Cody Fisher’s death.

All three defendants, answering through their counsels, admitted “presence” at the nightclub but denied “participation” in the charges brought against them.

As part of their preparation for trial, the defence counsels went on to request access to the “DNA statistics” surrounding the attack, and CCTV footage taken from the Digbeth venue from 6:30pm on the night in question.

Defending Reegan Anderson, Mr Bell also made a request for access to the “telephone evidence” regarding his client – which the court identified should be made available by the end of April.

Judge Melbourne Inman KC was also clear with the court that any witnesses required to appear should be confirmed as early as possible, as the trial will begin around the summer holidays and they would need to plan accordingly.

Kami Carpenter, Remy Gordon, and Erdington teenager Reegan Anderson have all denied the charges of murder and affray brought against them, with the trail set to begin on 3 July.

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Father and son charged with murder following “isolated incident and not gang related” attack on Cadbury Drive

Words & pics by Ed King

A father and son have been charged with murder after the fatal stabbing of a man at a house on Cadbury Drive, Castle Vale, at around 1pm on Monday 13 March.

Ahmad Alsino (42) and Bashar Alsino (20) were scheduled to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday 15, also facing charges for the attempted murder of another man and assault.

A statement issued by West Midlands Police told: “We have charged two people with murder after a stabbing at an address in Birmingham.

“Ahmad Alsino, aged 42, and his son Bashar Alsino, aged 20, have been charged after two men were stabbed at an address in Cadbury Drive, Castle Vale.

“A 56-year-old man was found with stab wounds and despite the best efforts of emergency services, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 27-year-old man remains in a critical condition in hospital.

“Both men have also been charged with attempted murder and assault.

“A 21-year-old woman has been released on police bail while further enquiries are carried out.”

Shocking scenes unfurled on Castle Vale on Monday afternoon, after emergency services were called to the quiet streets by the Castle Pool leisure centre, with reports seeing six squad cars, ambulance crews, and a police helicopter.

But thanks to the speedy response from West Midlands Police, the offenders were caught shortly after feeling the scene – tracked down to Chatham Road in Northfield.

Police were also quick to assure local residents they believed the incident to be a “targeted attack” and did not expect to see further aggression or violence on the street of the North Birmingham estate.

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin (Lab) further called for “calm” as the police began to conduct their investigation on Monday.

Cllr Goodwin, who also works supporting the Castle Vale community as CEO of Spitfire Advice and Support Services, added: “Castle Vale is full good and decent residents, and this is not a representation of this amazing community.”

In a further statement issued today, Chief Inspector Dave Sanders from West Midlands Police Homicide Team added: “Our thoughts are with the family, who are being supported by specialist officers at this very difficult time.

“We would like to reassure people in the neighbourhood that this was an isolated incident and is not gang-related.

“Our neighbourhood teams have been carrying out reassurance patrols and meeting with community leaders to provide support.

“We understand what happened might have shocked people in the surrounding area and we would again urge residents not to panic or fuel speculation until the conclusion of the court case.”

West Midlands Police are continuing their investigation and have called for any members of the public who may have useful information to get in touch.

The force previously stated: “Anyone with information should contact us via Live Chat on our website quoting log 1841 of 13/3.”

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NEWS: Murder investigation launched after believed “targeted attack” on Cadbury Drive

Words by Ed King

West Midlands Police have launched a murder investigation today after two men were stabbed at a residential property on Cadbury Drive, Castle Vale – killing one man and leaving the other fighting for his life in hospital.

Emergency services attended the scene at around 1pm on Monday 13 March, but despite the best efforts of paramedics one of the men attacked was pronounced dead at the scene.

The other man was rushed to hospital where he remains in a “critical condition”.

West Midlands Police issued the following statement following the attack: “We’ve launched a murder investigation after two men were attacked at a property in Birmingham this afternoon.

“One man suffered stab wounds and, despite the best efforts of ambulance colleagues, died at the scene in Cadbury Drive just after 1pm. Another man also suffered stab wounds and has been taken to hospital in a critical condition.

“The offenders fled the scene in a car which was picked up and tracked by the police helicopter to Chatham Road in Northfield.

“Armed police stopped the vehicle and arrested three people, two men and a woman, on suspicion of murder.”

Police went on to explain that although the investigation is only in its “early stages” it is believed this was a “targeted attack” and therefore presenting no continuing danger to local residents.

The police’s statement continued: “We have already sealed off the scene for forensic examination and begun house to house and CCTV enquiries.”

Knife crime is a growing problem across the country, with Birmingham holding some of the highest rates for weapon possession or violent assault in comparison to other areas of the West Midlands.

According to the Office for National Statistics “Knife-enabled crime recorded by the police saw a 10% increase to 49,027 offences in the year ending March 2022, from 44,642 in the year ending March 2021.”

However, some local residents were quick to praise the swift reaction from the police and ambulance crews attending the incident on Castle Vale today – telling Erdington Local they were reassured at the size and speed of the emergency service’s response and did not feel threatened by any potentially continuing violence.

Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin also told Erdington Local: “I am very saddened and shocked to hear of the incident today, whilst I understand this is being treated as a murder investigation.

“I would ask that everyone remains calm and allows the police to undertake their investigations, my understand that arrests have been made this afternoon.

“Castle Vale is full good and decent residents, and this is not a representation of this amazing community.”

West Midlands Police are continuing their investigation and have called for any members of the public who may have useful information to get in touch.

The force added: “Anyone with information should contact us via Live Chat on our website quoting log 1841 of 13/3.”