Stabbed man in hospital as seven arrested after Bilston violence
One man is seriously injured in hospital and seven others are in custody after a brawl involving knives in the Black Country.
Armed police, a dog unit and an air ambulance were sent to the Bradley area of Bilston after the man was stabbed during what is believed to have been targeted violence on Saturday afternoon.
The 34-year-old stab victim was treated by medics on the pavement before being taken to hospital where he remained seriously injured on Sunday.
A 31-year-old man was also left with a dislocated shoulder after the fight.
He was one of seven people arrested on suspicion of affray after the violence happened in the Stirling Road and Mervyn Road areas at around 3pm.
Around 10 police patrol cars were in the area near Rocket Pool along with the armed officers, helicopter, land ambulances and critical care car.
A resident of Mervyn Road, who wished to remain anonymous, said children were playing in the street when the incident happened.
"I saw it all unfold as the police were doing first aid on a man who was covered in blood on the road," he said.
"It must have been about 3.10pm when the air ambulance came and it seemed like the whole police station came as well - I'd say about 15 cars and all I could hear was sirens.
"There were about four ambulances and an air ambulance support vehicle as well as the helicopter."
They added: "There were a lot of people out and about just before it happened.
"There were people walking around and kids playing in the street - it's scary for them as they would have seen it."
The other suspects include two 34-year-old men and others aged 39, 33, 29, 21. All remained in custody on Sunday morning.
The area was cordoned off into the evening as forensic officers examined the scene and CCTV footage was collected.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "We believe this was a targeted attack, however extra officers will be in the area over the coming days to reassure local people as our investigation continues.
"Anyone with information about what happened is asked to message us on Live Chat via our website www.west-midlands.police.uk 8am – midnight, or call us on 101 anytime quoting log number 2423 of July 10.
"Want to remain 100% anonymous? Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Tell them what you know, not who you are."
