A teenager was shot and another man suffered serious head injuries after violence flared in a Walsall street. The 19-year-old suffered “pellet-related injuries” police said today.

Officers said the injury occurred during a fracas between a group of men and women in Blakenall.

Witnesses reported hearing shots fired near to the Ash Grange care home, Valley Road, at around 11.50pm on Wednesday and the teenager was left with facial injuries.

A 38-year-old man suffered serious head injuries and remains at Walsall Manor where his condition was described as “stable” today.

Police said the teenager’s injuries were “minor” and he was not detained in hospital.

Nine people were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder. The six men and three women have all been bailed pending further police enquiries.

People living in the area said they believed the disorder was linked to an ongoing dispute between families.

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Sarah Astbury said a firearm was discharged and a man was hit by a pellet. “We do not want to give people the impression the victim was deliberately shot at point blank range,” she added.