Image courtesy of Bill Bishop.

Following the much-reported criminal incident in Brownhills West yesterday, when two local men were stabbed, a further statement has been issued from West Midlands Police this lunchtime (Monday 31st October 2016), – they are continuing to investigate the events that occurred, resulting in a 32 year old local man being detained.

The incident was originally covered live in a remarkable Facebook live streaming session by Brownhills resident Bill Bishop, who filmed emergency services attending the incident following a crash between a car and an ambulance in Wilkin Road, near the junction with Cherwell Drive and broadcast it live as it happened.

West Midlands Police issued the following statement at 12.23pm today, Monday 31st October 2016:

A man remains in police custody this morning on suspicion of carrying out a double stabbing and a knifepoint shop robbery during a 10-minute crime spree in Walsall yesterday (30 Oct).

Officers were called to McCalls newsagent in Shannon Drive, Brownhills, at 4.35pm by a woman reporting a knifeman assaulting staff and demanding till takings.

At around the same time response police colleagues were directed to an address in nearby Tamar Close where two men had been stabbed − and moments later it’s understood the same man stole a car after threatening the occupants of a neighbouring flat.

The car − a Renault Clio − was then involved in a collision with an ambulance before a 32-year-old local man was confronted by officers and detained.

We are still trying to piece together the precise timeline of events − but it’s understood the offender stole a car following the stabbings and then collided with an ambulance that was en route to treat the injured men.

The suspect was behaving aggressively and threatened officers with a large knife… officers used taser to secure his safe detention and to protect themselves, ambulance staff, and the public.

One man has suffered serious chest wounds, while the other suffered injuries to his abdomen and head. Our officers provided swift first aid at the scene before being handed over to paramedics; thankfully none of the injuries are life-threatening and they are recovering in hospital.

A member of staff and a customer were also treated for injuries after being assaulted inside the newsagent.

We are still keen to hear from people who witnessed any of the incidents − or who has mobile phone or CCTV footage − and have not yet spoken to police. They can call the Violent Crime Team at Wednesfield police station on the 101 number.

Enquiries continue and if you feel you have information to spare, please do contact West Midlands Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.

My sympathies remain with the victims of this shocking and senseless crime.