'We need to get to the bottom of why these shootings are happening' - Wolverhampton MP
A Wolverhampton MP says he is having regular meetings with police chiefs in the city following a spate of violent incidents.
Warinder Juss, MP for Wolverhampton West, said he feared much of the violence may be gang-related, but said this was little consolation for residents who were afraid for their safety following the recent incidents.
A 20-year-old man was yesterday (Tuesday) due to appear before magistrates charged with the murder of 26-year-old Navpreet Singh near Phoenix Park in Blakenhall on October 22.
Jashan Singh, of Wolverhampton, was remanded to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court today.
In separate incidents, 30-year-old Jermaine Smith was shot dead in Lilleshall Crescent on Saturday (October 25), and Duaine Mills, 28, and Syed Zain Ali, 32, were shot as they sat in a car in Leicester Street, Whitmore Reans, on September 19. Mr Mills and Mr Ali both died as a result of their injuries.
This week police are continuing to investigate a disorder in which people were stabbed in Staveley Road, Whitmore Reans on Monday, and a man was also shot in the leg in Peel Street car park in the city centre on October 12.
Mr Juss said he had met with Wolverhampton police commander Chief Superintendent Anthony Tagg earlier this month, and was in the process of setting up monthly meetings with him.
He said he was pleased that police had acted swiftly to make arrests, but said residents should not have to endure such activities in the first place.
"It's truly concerning, very worrying that these incidents have happened," said Mr Juss.
"We don't want these activities taking place.
"I want to get to the bottom of what is the cause of this, what has resulted in these shootings, I'm really concerned about it.
"I'm trying to do whatever I can, working with the police, community groups and community leaders, to see what we can provide.
"I think the police have acted quickly in response to what has happened. The problem is, these incident shouldn't have happened in the first place."
