What we know about Kingswinford stabbing: Six arrested - including stab victim and man found in a well - after gunshots heard
Six men have been arrested after shots were fired and a 23-year-old man was found with stab wounds in Dudley in the early hours of today (February 18).
West Midlands Police officers were called to Ketley Fields in Kingswinford at around 1am following multiple reports of gunfire.
On arrival, officers discovered a 23-year-old man with stab injuries. He was treated at the scene by West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedics before being taken to hospital under emergency conditions. His injuries are not believed to be life-changing. Police later arrested him on suspicion of possession of a firearm.
A major search operation followed the initial reports, supported by National Police Air Service officers. Two men, aged 22 and 29, were arrested after being found hiding in trees off Oak Lane. Another 22-year-old man was arrested after being located in a well and taken to hospital with a broken leg. Two further men, aged 23 and 33, were detained nearby.
A police statement released on Wednesday morning read: "A cordon is still in place on Ketley Fields while we carry out enquiries. We understand this will cause concern in the community and have increased our patrols in the area for reassurance.
"Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact us via LiveChat or call 101 quoting 137 of February 18."
A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 1.32am to reports of a stabbing at the junction on Ketley Fields and Lapwood Avenue in Kingswinford and sent an ambulance, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor with critical care paramedic to the scene.
"On arrival, crews found a man with serious injuries. Following treatment from ambulance staff, he was conveyed to hospital under emergency conditions."
Cordons remained in place for much of the morning as forensic teams continued their work in what residents described as a normally quiet neighbourhood.
One mother of two who lives across the road from Ketley Fields was visibly emotional when speaking to the Express & Star as she and her husband prepared to take their children out for the day to "get away from it all" outside their house.
"We had no idea," the lady said when asked if the family had heard any commotion overnight. "Is it a gang thing? I hope not, we don't get that kind of thing around here. We will pray for the families of those involved.
"It's terrible," she finished, with a tear in her eye.
Within the police cordon at Ketley Fields were two damaged vehicles believed to have been involved in the disorder.
After initially declining to comment a police spokesperson later confirmed: "The vehicles are suspected of being connected to the incident and further enquiries are being carried out."