West Midlands Police chief 'hoping for rain' after weekend of violence
The chief constable of West Midlands Police has spoken out over 'senseless violence' during a summer crimewave - and said he hoped it would rain soon.
Dave Thompson tweeted his support for officers after a weekend of violence in the Black Country and Birmingham including a murder, a machete attack, stabbings and a shooting.
It follows recent shocking violence. A murder investigation was launched into the death of James Brindley, in Aldridge. It has also emerged that there has been a rise in crime in the West Midlands.
Mr Thompson used emoji symbols for rain when he tweeted: “This weekend has been ferociously busy and packed with senseless violence.
"Thank you to @WMPolice staff and now let it [umbrella emoji] please"
He got his wish on Tuesday with showers across the region.
The chief constable has spoken publically about struggles after a series of major incidents in recent weeks exposed the strains faced by forces under financial pressure.
West Midlands officers investigated violence which happened across last weekend.
At Merry Hill, a 19-year-old man was stabbed in the mall near M&S on Saturday.
This came following a separate stabbing in the Digbeth area of Birmingham in the early hours the same day.
Daniel Baird died after being stabbed outside The Forge Tavern.
Also on Saturday a man suffered fatal stab wounds in an attack in Kingstanding.
Meanwhile on Saturday afternoon violence flared following Pelsall Carnival. Seven men were arrested in connection with the incident.
A day later detectives launched an investigation after a man was shot in Quinton, near Halesowen.
Also on Sunday a 35-year-old man was taken to hospital after being attacked by a man allegedly wielding a machete.
Meanwhile Wolverhampton Police took to Facebook on Tuesday after they rounded-up a number of their most wanted suspects in the city.
This morning officers have been out on the streets and made several arrests.
A 43-year-old woman on suspicion of burglary in East Park
A 32-year-old man, from Willenhall, for thieving tools from a Wednesfield business
A 47-year-old man has been arrested on Willenhall Road on suspicion of burglary
A 33-year-old woman, from Whitmore Reans, for falling to appear in court last week
A 47-year-old man, from Graisley, for failing to turn up at court for a drugs charge
A 21-year-old woman, from Bradley, for failing show at court for driving offences
A 33-year-old woman arrested in Heath Town for failing to appear in court
Two males,17-year-old and 16-year-old, arrested in relation to last week's Ashmore Park disorder.
