Officers shot at in counter-firearms operation

Five people have been arrested after shots were fired at an unmarked police car in Birmingham. West Midlands Police officers were conducting an anti-gun crime operation when they were shot at in the Ladywood area of the city early on Tuesday (August 8). No-one was injured in the attack. Five men have now been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remain in custody. A car linked to the shooting has also been recovered. Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Boycott said it is unusual for officers to be attacked while in this particular line of duty. She added: “There is a minority within our society who don’t give a second thought to illegally carrying and using guns; and 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 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.”