Man armed with gun breaks into Wolverhampton home

A man broke into a house in Wolverhampton armed with a gun before locking himself in a room.

Two people have been arrested following the incident which unfolded in Parkfield Road, in Ettingshall, this morning.

The armed man broke into the house at around 9.40am and then locked himself in an upstairs room.

He then left the property and was later arrested, along with a woman, in nearby Vale Road on suspicion of possessing a firearm.

Eyewitnesses said armed police had stormed the residential street.

A spokesman from West Midlands Police said: "A man and woman have been arrested after people were called to a report that a man had broken into an address in Parkfield Road, Ettingshall this morning (Thursday 24 January).

"The man, who was armed with a gun, entered a house at around 9.40am and locked himself into an upstairs room.

"Shortly afterwards, he left that address and was arrested together with a woman, by police in Vale Street.

"A 24-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and both remain in police custody."

Residents in the street expressed their shock at the police presence in the area – but said it is not unusual for the street.

Eileen Furnival, 87, said: "I saw a police car across the road but that was all and I've not heard anything about it. It is usually quiet around here and you don't hear anything really.

"It was quite surprising and the police were here for a quite a while.

"I was told by a friend something had happened down the street and they told me to lock my door."

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The police have been here before. There was quite a few officers - I can't tell you how many - but lots.

"It livens the street up. I don't know [the reason] but I have got my own suspicions."

A former resident, who moved away from the street 20 years ago but was visiting, added: "There's always something or another happening - it's Vale Street.

"It's been the last few years that it's changed. I used to play in the street and the memories I've got - it was the best.

"This is not surprising at all."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101 quoting incident reference number 669 of January 24.

Alternatively, witnesses can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.