Shots fired in West Bromwich attempted carjacking
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DETECTIVES have launched an investigation following an attempted carjacking in West Bromwich last night during which a firearm was discharged.
The incident happened at around 8:55pm as a 26-year-old woman was returning to her home on Durham Drive.
As she parked her car on the driveway of her home she was approached by a man who pointed a handgun at her and demanded her car keys.
A struggle ensued as the woman tried to fight off her attacker and call for help which prompted a second offender to became involved in the attempted robbery.
The victim's husband saw what was happening and rushed to his wife's aid, giving chase to the offenders and wrestling one of them to the ground.
Following a struggle both of the offenders got away in a blue van and fired two shots as they fled.
Detective Inspector Gary Dring, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was clearly a very frightening incident for everyone involved.
"The level of violence used was excessive and the reckless use of a firearm put lives at risk it is only through luck alone that nobody was seriously injured."
The victim was left shaken but unhurt by the incident although her husband was treated in hospital for cuts to his face after being physically struck by one of the offenders who hit him with the firearm.
Detectives are hunting two attackers, both described as black men in dark clothing.
DI Dring added: "The men had their faces covered so the descriptions we have are very vague.
"However we do know that they got away in blue van with ladders on the roof, which we are very keen to trace.
"I would ask anyone who saw this van before or after the incident, or who has any information about who these offenders are, to get in touch with us as soon as possible."
Part of Durham Drive was cordoned off while forensic scene investigators and specially trained officers searched the area but this cordon was lifted at 1:30pm today.
Superintendent Gary Campbell, from Sandwell Local Policing Unit, said: "This incident will no doubt cause a great deal of concern in the community but I would like to reassure people that these types of offences are very rare in West Bromwich and we are taking what happened very seriously.
"Local officers will be providing a high visibility presence in the area over the next few days and I would encourage anyone who has any concerns to speak to them or give us a call."
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