Police launch murder probe in Walsall after man in his 20s is shot dead and another wounded on 'Britain's roughest estate' - as three teenage boys are arrested
A man in his 20s was killed in a shooting and another was injured last night as dozens of police officers descended on an area dubbed 'Britain's roughest estate'.
West Midlands Police detectives launched a murder investigation after one man died at the scene after being shot on Well Lane in Walsall just before 5pm yesterday.
Another man was wounded but his injuries are not life-threatening, and officers were forensically examining the area this morning as the investigation continues.
Two 17-year-old boys and an 18-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of murder. Detectives said they remained in custody while inquiries are carried out.
Local residents were shocked by the incident, telling the Express and Star that the area was becoming 'like a ghetto' and there were people 'dying all the time'.
Rich Yeoman said: 'The police need to do something, someone needs to do something. It's getting b****y stupid - it's like a ghetto, it's worse. It's horrible.'
A scenes of crime officer and other members of West Midlands Police at the scene today
West Midlands Police officers at the scene of the murder investigation in Walsall
A man in his 20s was killed in the shooting on what is dubbed 'Britain's roughest estate'
Another man was also injured in the shooting as dozens of police arrived at the scene
Two 17-year-old boys and an 18-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of murder
Rachel Harris added: 'It's so bad here now. It's all the time, shootings, stabbings, people dying all the time. It's too much, it's all the b****y time.'
Another, David Warren, said: 'It's terrible out here - it's always the same, the police can't do anything. What are you supposed to do? It's all crime, it's ridiculous.'
Well Lane is in the Blakenall Heath area of Walsall which got the unwelcome title of 'Britain's roughest estate' in 2022 after residents revealed they were living in fear of yobs as young as ten.
Locals said youths had been running riot and even ripping live pigeons apart while one travel vlogger found a squashed rat in a children's park.
Others even compared it to living in 'war-torn Ukraine' after their lives were plagued by gangs of knife-wielding youths.
One neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said today: 'It's so shocking but this place is just becoming a ghetto now.
'I don't feel safe leaving the house at night and after this I'll be wary about going out before dark too.
West Midlands Police detectives investigate today at the scene of the shooting in Walsall
A scenes of crime officer at the scene of the fatal shooting on Well Lane in Walsall today
'It's just gang warfare on the streets and the police are just letting it happen.
'It's kids too most of the time. You just wonder 'where are the parents?' This used to be a nice little town.'
Yesterday, witnesses reported seeing up to a dozen police cars as well as a police helicopter and forensics officers on the scene, and motorists were urged to avoid the area.
A police spokesman said: 'We received a report just before 5pm that a man had been shot in Well Lane, Walsall. The man, who was in his 20s, sadly died at the scene.
'Another man was also wounded and is receiving treatment to his injuries, which are not life-threatening. Officers remain on Well Lane while we conduct forensic examination of the area. We are also speaking to witnesses and reviewing CCTV.
'We understand the alarm these incidents cause. There will be an increased police presence around the area so please talk to officers if you have any concerns.'
Police at the scene on Well Lane in Walsall where a man in his 20s has died after being shot
The shooting happened last night in Blakenell Heath, dubbed 'Britain's roughest estate'
West Midlands Police detectives launched a murder investigation after a man in his 20s died
And the West Midlands Ambulance Service said: 'We were called to an incident on Well Lane, Bloxwich at 5pm and were on scene in seven minutes. We have ambulances, paramedic officers and a doctor at the scene.'
The incident happened on Well Lane near the junction with Chaucer Road and Walker Road, where a local Spar convenience store and the 'Frydays' fish and chip shop are located.
National Express West Midlands said the 29 bus between Walsall and Bloxwich would continue to be diverted today in both directions due to road closures.
Police have asked anyone with information to call 101 and quote log 3637 of July 8
