Attempted murder arrests as boy, 16, shot in the head in Wolverhampton
Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the gun attack near Sainsbury's supermarket.
A teenage boy has been shot in the head in Wolverhampton.
The 16-year-old was found with a gunshot wound to the head in Graiseley Street, in the Pennfields area, just before 8pm last night.
Two boys, aged 15 and 17, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault.
They all remain in police custody.
What we know so far
Police were called to Graiseley Street and found the teenage boy were the gun shot wound.
The boy remains in hospital in a serious condition today, police have confirmed.
A huge police presence arrived and cordoned off streets where the boy was found.
Patrol cars were seen lined up on roads and blocking off entrances to Graiseley Street.
A police tent was erected in one part of the road as the investigation got under way.
Bystander Tim Brannon described the chaos as shots rang out and armed police descended on the street.
He later spotted officers move to streets nearby including Owen Road as a major investigation got under way.
He said: "I observed armed police and helicopter descend on Bingley Street off Owen Road after the incident. At least three armed response Audi Estates.
"But it was dramatic. Most witnesses say they heard shots. Not sure if from police or attackers."
A woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I saw about 25 people run across the road and I heard arguments. There was screaming and shouting at one another.
"I heard the arguments and then I heard two shots – bang, bang – and I had not got a clue what was going on and there was a lot of people arguing.
"It was violent and quite shocking. It was horrible – it was so distressing."
She said the second "bang" could have been an echo – due to her not knowing what a gun shot sounded like.
John Hunting, 64, has lived in the area for more than 46 years – and said the area was "peaceful".
He said: "I was in my flat at the time - but I didn't hear anything. It has been bad around here – it used to be a peaceful area."
Eustace Obi, 34, who lives in a nearby block of flats, said: "I have lived here for more than six years and this is the first time I have heard about a shooting.
"It is generally very peaceful and quiet. I come out, do my things and walk back. I used to hear it happen in other parts of Wolverhampton, but not this area.
"I would have serious doubts if the people who did this are from the area. There are council houses around here and it's peaceful."
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "It is a bit close to home.
"I don't go out at night anyway and didn't hear anything – but my daughter, who lives a few streets away, did.
"I wish him [the 16-year-old] well."
Another neighbour added: "We saw the police helicopter and the police cars – it's normally good around here.
"You never get gangs of youngsters compared to some areas – there's not guns or knives. It was very shocking."
WATCH: Huge police cordon in place
Interactive map of the scene
A police cordon remains in place in the road today as the investigation continues.
A resident, who did not wish to be named, who lived in a nearby block of flats told reporters the area was usually "very peaceful and quiet".
A West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "Ambulance staff and a doctor treated a teenager who was shot in Wolverhampton last night.
"West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to Graiseley Street in the Pennfields area at 7.49pm to reports of an assault.
"An ambulance was on scene within five minutes and was backed up by two paramedic officers and the MERIT Trauma Doctor and Critical Care Paramedic.
"The teenager was treated at the scene before being taken on blue lights to hospital; the doctor travelled with the crew."
What have police said?
West Midlands Police officers have launched an investigation into the shooting and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Inspector Ade George, from West Midlands Police's force CID team, said: "I am appealing directly to anyone who was in the area and saw what happened to contact us if they have not already done so.
“No matter how insignificant you feel the information may be, it could really help with our investigation as we continue to follow forensic and CCTV enquiries."
Anyone with information is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101, quoting crime reference number 20WV/108168F/19.
Alternatively, witnesses can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
