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Man injured in gun attack outside Walsall gym

A man has been left with serious injuries after being shot in Walsall.

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Police cordoned off the car park

The victim, aged in his 40s, was shot in the stomach in a gym car park last night.

The shooting happened at around 8pm in the car park for Better Gym on Lichfield Road, Walsall Wood.

Minutes later the injured man made his way to an address in Aldridge where paramedics were then called.

Police were called to investigate by the ambulance service at 8.50pm.

WATCH footage from the scene:

Forensics and a police specialist search unit also attended to scour the scene.

One eyewitness, who wishes to stay anonymous, recalled how the victim 'screamed' after the attack.

She said: "I heard the gunshot and saw it all happen.

"I didn't realise what it was, I thought it was a firework or firecracker, it didn't seem to be what it was.

"It looked like an argument and I saw some people get in a car, the man was screaming.

"It's a bit scary."

Police cordoned off the car park

Adeel Shabir, duty manager of Better Gym, wasn't aware of the incident until the next day on his way into work.

He said: "I was coming in and my manager told me what happened.

"We closed at 7pm so no-one said anything at the time."

Better Gym in Walsall Wood

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "He’s in hospital with serious injuries consistent with a firearm discharge.

"The offender is believed to have made off in a car being driven by another man.

"The motive is not clear at this stage and enquiries are on-going to identify and arrest the offenders.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information that could help enquiries, is asked to call West Midlands Police immediately on 101 or Live Chat at WMP Online between 8am and midnight quoting log number 2352 from February 10.

"Alternatively, people can call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."

Police cordoned off the car park

Chief Superintendent Andy Parsons, commander at Walsall police, said: “I understand the shock and concern of residents in the area. I’d like to reassure you that incidents like this are rare and we’re doing all we can to find those responsible.

“We’ve increased patrols in the area to support and reassure the community through what I realise is a worrying time for them.

“No-one expects this kind of incident to happen in their community. My officers are working closely with colleagues to conduct a thorough investigation."

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 8.46pm to an address in Aldridge to reports of a patient being assaulted.

"One ambulance, two paramedic officers, and the air ambulance critical care car were sent to the scene.

"The patient was treated at the scene and taken to hospital on blue lights."

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