Birmingham: Boy, 13, in critical condition after being shot in the back in Hockley Circus
The 13-year-old was shot from behind in Hockley Circus, Birmingham, just before 7pm on Thursday, West Midlands Police say.
Friday 19 November 2021 12:35, UK
A teenage boy is in hospital with "life-changing" injuries after being shot in the back as he walked down a Birmingham street, police have said.
The victim, 13, was on Hockley Circus just before 7pm on Thursday when he was targeted, West Midlands Police said.
"He remains in hospital in a critical condition with injuries believed to be life-changing," the force said.
Detectives say their investigation is still in its "very early stages" and are appealing for witnesses.
Sunny Singh told Sky News he was outside his shop when he heard what sounded like a single shotgun blast.
"I heard a bang coming from the left side of my ear... I knew it was a gunshot because fireworks don't make that sound," he said.
Mr Singh said a "young lad" about 14 or 15 ran in the shop and told him "someone's trying to shoot at me and I need protection - can I just hide in here?"
He refused as he was worried about the safety of customers and his shop, so the boy got on a bus and disappeared.
The Hockley Circus area of Birmingham will be closed for "most of Friday morning" for forensic enquiries, police said..
An underpass under the busy roundabout and flyover was cordoned off as detectives investigated.
"We are urgently appealing to anyone in the area with any information," a police spokesperson said.
"This is a busy area with lots of motorists, so we're asking anyone with dashcams to check their footage as this may help us identify the people responsible.
"Also if you witnessed anything, please contact us as this information could provide integral to our investigation."
Anyone with any information can contact West Midlands Police via their live chat, by calling 101 with the reference 3589 of 18/11, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.