Shots fired at West Midlands Police during gun crime crackdown
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after police were shot at during a crackdown on gun crime today.
Shots were fired at an unmarked police car in Birmingham just after midnight.
A car believed to have been involved in the shooting was also recovered in West Bromwich.
It happened near to St Marks Crescent and Crosby Close in Ladywood, not far from the Barclaycard Arena.
Nobody was injured. Five men arrested on suspicion of attempted murder remain in police custody this afternoon.
Hours earlier, two teenagers were taken to hospital after reports of a shooting.
ACC Sarah Boycott from West Midlands Police, said: “Officers were working on a proactive operation to tackle gun crime and keep people safe and it is unusual that they should come under attack in this way in the line of that duty.
"There is a minority within our society who don’t give a second thought to illegally carrying and using guns.
"Although these are significant arrests we will continue to take action against those who think it’s ok to carry guns on our streets.
"We appreciate there will be concerns within our communities but we have increased our patrols in neighbourhoods to offer reassurance.
"This includes firearms officers being on mobile patrol and standby 24/7.
"The role of the public will play an important role in helping us to overcome this difficult period.
"They can be our eyes and ears in helping to get guns in the wrong hands off our streets."
