Two men shot after argument in Edgbaston street

Feb 24 2009 by Gary Young, Birmingham Mail

TWO men were shot at almost point-blank range following an argument in a Midland street.

The pair were in a car parked in Southfield Road, Edgbaston, yesterday, less than half a mile from Victoria Park, in Smethwick, when the gunman opened fire from another car that had pulled alongside.

Detectives believe the pair became embroiled in a “verbal altercation” with men in the second car before one of them pulled out a pistol and fired between three and four shots.

One of the victims was hit in the face and the second suffered arm injuries. Their injuries were described as “non life-threatening”.

The pair, both in their early 20s, managed to drive themselves to a nearby hospital and were undergoing treatment today.

Det Insp Alan Simmonds, of Rose Road CID, said: “The motive remains unclear but there is nothing to say it is gang-related.

“Anyone prepared to use a firearm in the street at almost point-blank range is dangerous and needs to be caught as soon as possible.”

The victims were visiting an ex-girlfriend in Southfield Road when the incident happened at 7.10pm.

A stretch of Southfield Road was taped off today while forensics experts carried out a search of the scene.

Police were today examining the two men’s blue Corsa and also conducting house-to-house inquiries along the row of terraced homes.

Jaswant Bhatia, who lives nearby, said: “There isn’t much crime around here and everyone knows each other. It’s pretty frightening, especially if you have got children but these guys weren’t from here.”