Handsworth shooting: Families enjoy sun as man gunned down
Apr 20 2009 By Mark Cowan and Christina Savvas
“It’s so sad that a man is dead, another young life wasted, you just don’t expect it to happen on your doorstep. I feel so sorry for the mother who has lost her son.”
Another resident added: “It’s a real shock to hear someone has been murdered in your street in the middle of the day.”
Part of Uplands Road was sealed off at the junction with Aylesford Road while forensic experts carried out a fingerprint search of the scene.
Bullet fragments have now been sent to specialists at the Birmingham National Ballistics Intelligence Service firearm forensics lab for analysis.
Chief Supt Mick Treble said the precise circumstances of the incident remained unclear.
While there were no reports of gunshots in the street, police believe the victim may have been shot where he was found, although they have not ruled out the possibility he was thrown from a car.
“We are keeping an open mind and are looking at all possibilities, including whether it was some sort of gang-related incident or the result of some other fall out,” said Mr Treble.
“Regardless of the motive, someone’s life has been lost. It doesn’t only effect the individual, it’s their family and the community. It’s a very sad day.”
He added: “I want to assure the community that crimes of this nature will not be tolerated and concerted action is being taken to find the person or persons responsible.
“We will take whatever measures are necessary to prevent loss of life in this manner and we appeal to people to come forward with information to help us bring those responsible to justice.”
A post-mortem examination was taking place later today and the investigation is now being led by Det Chief Insp Richard Baker.
He carried out the investigation into the shooting of Dimitri Foskin, aged 24, the last person to be shot dead Birmingham.
Mr Foskin was shot in the chest and found slumped on a driveway in Hockley Close, Newtown, on August 23 last year. He died later in hospital.
Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at Thornhill Road police station on 0845 113 5000.
