Three people were injured – two of which remain in hospital – after gunshots were fired at a Smethwick restaurant. Police were called to the shooting outside Avenue Bar Restaurant & Grill, based in Rolfe Street, at around 3.30am today.
Two men, one aged in his 40s and the other in his 20s, were taken to hospital with serious injuries where they remain. A woman was also taken to hospital with injuries but has since been discharged.
Rolfe Street was sealed off in both directions by police following the shooting. Detectives will continue carrying out enquiries in the area.
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A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “We’re investigating after gunshots were fired at a venue in Smethwick in the early hours of this morning (17 June).
“We received a number of calls to Avenue Bar and Restaurant on Rolfe Street at around 3.30am. Two men, a man in his 40s and a man in his 20s, were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
“They remain in hospital for treatment. A woman was also taken to hospital with injuries and has since been discharged.”
This is a breaking news story. Follow our live blog below for the latest updates on this police incident.
13:20Key Event
Three injured after shooting – police statement
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “We’re investigating after gunshots were fired at a venue in Smethwick in the early hours of this morning (17 June).
“We received a number of calls to Avenue Bar and Restaurant on Rolfe Street at around 3.30am. Two men, a man in his 40s and a man in his 20s, were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
“They remain in hospital for treatment. A woman was also taken to hospital with injuries and has since been discharged.”
13:05Key Event
Rofle Street ‘closed in both directions’ – traffic update
The latest traffic update on Inrix reads: “Rolfe Street closed in both directions. Slow traffic due to police incident from Bridge Street North to Rabone Lane.”
12:51Harry Leach
Police gather evidence outside bar
Forensic police were spotted gathering evidence within the cordon which runs aroind the edge of ‘Avenue Bar Restaurant & Grill’. The exact nature of the incident remains unclear.
12:35Harry Leach
Scene close-up
Forensic police were spotted working within the cordon which runs along a cut-through from Rolfe Street to Bridge Street.
The image belows shows a close-up of the scene:
12:23Harry Leach
Police seal off street – video
Police have sealed off a section of Smethwick’s Rolfe Street. The cordon runs around the edge of restaurant-bar ‘Avenue’.
We visited the scene this morning and saw forensic officers gathering evidence. See our clip below:
12:13Harry Leach
Forensic police at scene
Forensic police are at the scene in Rolfe Street. The officers, dressed in white coveralls, were pictured gathering evidence.
12:06Key Event
Bus services diverted
Bus services 54 and 54A have been diverted. National Express wrote on social media platform X: “Service disruption due to an incident on Rolfe Street.
“54 and 54A will be using Soho Way. We apologise for any disruption to your journey.”
12:03Key Event
Cordon outside grill restaurant
A cordon is in place around the edge of ‘Avenue Bar Restaurant & Grill’ in Rolfe Street. More than a dozen police officers are at the scene.
12:00Key Event
Police seal off Smethwick street
Police have sealed off Rolfe Street in Smethwick today following an incident.
The exact nature of the incident is currently unclear. We have contacted West Midlands Police for more information.
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.
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