Express & Star

Brownhills stabbing drama: New details as five victims recover from violent crime spree

Two stabbed men are recovering in hospital today as fresh details emerge about a shocking 10-minute crime spree in Brownhills.

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The men, believed to be father and son, were among five people injured as the drama unfolded yesterday.

An armed robbery took place moments after the stabbings, before a stolen car smashed head-on into an ambulance on its way to treat the victims.

Police then confronted the suspect who threatened officers and paramedics with a large knife before he was eventually Tasered and arrested.

A 32-year-old man remains in custody on suspicion of armed robberies, a number of serious assaults and car theft.

Ten minutes of terror

The terrifying events, which happened within 500 metres of each other, started around 4.30pm when two men were stabbed at a flat in Tamar Close.

The attacker then fled, stealing a neighbour's Renault Clio which he used to drive away from the scene.

One of the victims received serious stab wounds to his chest while the other sustained injuries to his head and stomach. Both are said to be recovering in hospital.

A neighbour who witnessed the commotion, but did not want to be named, told the Express & Star: "Things started just before 5pm.

"I heard shouting then I saw a man holding a knife.

"It was absolutely terrifying. There has been the odd row around here but nothing to this extent.

"I just want to move away from here now."

Tamar Close, where the two men were stabbed

Minutes later McColls newsagents, on nearby Shannon Drive, was held up by a knifeman who assaulted staff and demanded cash from the till.

A customer and worker were treated for unspecified injuries.

Things came to a head when the stolen Clio was involved in a head-on crash with an ambulance - which was responding to the stabbing at Tamar Close - a short distance away on Wilkin Road.

Paramedics and police officers were threatened before the 32-year-old suspect was Tasered and detained.

He is currently in custody answering questions in relation to all of the incidents.

Police piece timeline together

Sergeant Paul Cook, from West Midlands Police's violent crime team, said: "We are still trying to piece together the precise timeline of events ? but it's understood the offender stole a car following the stabbings and then collided with an ambulance that was en route to treat the injured men.

"The suspect was behaving aggressively and threatened officers with a large knife.

"Officers used Taser to secure his safe detention and to protect themselves, ambulance staff, and the public.

"It's understood he's committed a number of serious offences within a matter of minutes prior to his arrest. He remains in custody to be interviewed today in connection with armed robberies, a number of serious assaults, and car theft.

"One man has suffered serious chest wounds, while the other suffered injuries to his abdomen and head.

"Our officers provided swift first aid at the scene before being handed over to paramedics; thankfully none of the injuries are life-threatening and they are recovering in hospital."

Brave paramedics praised

West Midlands Ambulance Service commended the bravery of their paramedics involved.

A spokesman said: "West Midlands Ambulance Service can confirm that a car, being driven by an offender who stabbed two people and robbed a convenience store in Brownhills, collided with one of our ambulances yesterday afternoon.

"The ambulance crew were responding to the scene of the stabbing when the offender drove his car into the front of the ambulance.

"Despite being in a road traffic collision and being threatened themselves by the offender, the three ambulance staff continued to the convenience store in a police car to treat a patient who had been injured in the robbery."

Nathan Hudson, general manager at WMAS for Birmingham and the Black Country, added: "The dedication shown by the three ambulance staff was exemplary.

"Despite one of the staff suffering minor injuries, the fact that he and his crewmates were prepared to continue to treat a patient who was potentially seriously injured demonstrates absolutely outstanding dedication to duty."

McColls confirmed they working with police to help with enquiries.

A spokesperson said: "The health, safety and wellbeing of our employees is of utmost importance. We are working closely with the relevant authorities in response to this incident."

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