Extra police officers are on duty across Birmingham this weekend after a shocking week that has resulted in the death of two boys. Detectives investigating the murder of a 16-year-old boy in Birmingham found the body of a second teenager on Friday morning, November 10.
The body of the second teenager, 17, was found by officers scouring Ladywood canal on Friday morning. A gun was also recovered at the scene. The force were combing the area as part of the investigation into the death of a teenager who was shot at an address in Lighthorne Avenue, Ladywood, last Sunday (5 November).
That teenager, who has not been formally identified by police, tragically died of his injuries after fighting for his life in hospital for several days. Police chiefs said they are not looking for anyone else as part of the investigation into the death of the 17-year-old, found on Friday, and the gun will be forensically examined.
READ MORE: Police investigating murder of 16-year-old boy discover second teenager’s body
POLL: Are you worried about crime in Birmingham?
Ladywood teen murder investigation – what do we know so far?
Detectives launched a murder investigation on Wednesday November 8 after a 16-year-old boy died of gunshot injuries. The youngster was found with serious injuries at an address in Lighthorne Avenue, Ladywood, at around 12.30pm on Sunday.
He sadly died in hospital a few days later. The body found on Friday, on land next to a canal on Lighthorne Avenue, is believed to be that of a 17-year-old boy. The discovery is being linked to the murder of the 16-year-old.
Detectives have said at this time they are not looking for anyone else as part of their investigation into the death of the 17-year-old. A gun was found at the same time and in the same area as the body found, and is currently being forensically examined.
A third person, a 17-year-old boy, was arrested as part of the initial murder investigation earlier this week. He remains on bail while officers establish the circumstances of the first death, and he has not been arrested in connection with the second death.
The violent city incident has left Brummies shocked and puzzled, with one resident telling our reporter at the scene that there is “just far too much grief [in this city].”
What is the latest from police?
Det Supt Shaun Edwards, from West Midlands Police Homicide team, said: “This is a tragic development in our investigation, and our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted by the events of the last week.
“Our investigation into what has happened will continue for some time, and we will be supporting the families involved throughout. Neighbourhood officers continue to patrol the area to offer reassurance, and I’d encourage anyone with information to get in touch with us.
“Anyone with information has been asked to call 101 or get in touch via Live Chat, quoting log 1632 of 5 November.”
West Midlands Police have not formally released the names of either boys, and the families of both are being supported by specialist officers.
Issuing a short update to BirminghamLive on Saturday November 11, a spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: “We have extra uniformed officers in the area to offer reassurance to the public. We have a team of officers working hard to establish the circumstances around the tragic deaths of these two boys.”
Get the very latest from the city with our Birmingham News Email Updates
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
