Express & Star

Armed police seal off West Bromwich road in 'gun alert'

Armed police sealed off part of West Bromwich after plain clothes officers were spotted returning a rifle to a home.

Published
Connor Road. Picture: Google

The officers had been taking a 'legally held air rifle' back to a house in Connor Road, Stone Cross, on Thursday morning.

But a concerned member of the public called police after the delivery aroused their suspicions.

Firearms officers were sent to the street near Hollyhedge Road and also alerted staff at neighbouring Pennyhill Primary School.

Chief Superintendent Richard Baker from Sandwell police said: “A call with good intent was received by a member of the public and armed officers responded very quickly to the call.

“On arrival it was established that it was police officers returning the legally held air rifle and that there was no threat to the wider community.

“A nearby school was immediately informed and has since been updated.

“I’d like to thank the public for their vigilance in reporting what they saw and their patience while officers attended and ascertained what had happened."