Birmingham shooting victim 'was targeted', say police

Jan 3 2008 By Mark Cowan, Crime Correspondent, Birmingham Mail

A BUSINESSMAN shot in a Birmingham street was targeted by a mystery gunman who opened fire after ramming him off the road.

The 44-year-old entrepreneur was blasted three times after the offender shunted his car from behind in what may have been meant to look like a minor road crash.

Police said a balaclava-clad gunman then fired a volley of shots at the man as he got out of his vehicle to check the damage.

He survived the shooting despite being hit in the chest, shoulder and arm. He is now recovering at home.

The shooting happened as the man was at the junction with Park Lane and Camp Lane, near Handsworth Cemetery, at about 8pm on Thursday December 20.

Det Insp Bob Bradford, from Thornhill Road CID, said: "A car bumped into the back of his. He got out of his car when he was shot three times.

"It appears as though this was a deliberate targeting of the individual."

Eye-witnesses described seeing the gunman flee in the second car, speeding off towards the A41 Holyhead Road.

Police alerted to the shooting discovered the man lying seriously injured in the middle of the road. The victim was taken to hospital, treated and released a few days later. The road was cordoned off following the shooting as officers carried out a search for clues.

Police are appealing for witnesses to call 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.