Four men arrested on suspicion of murder after drive-by shooting
Four men from across the Black Country have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Mekel Sterling, 36, known locally as Skelly, died after a drive-by shooting outside shops in Great Hampton Row, Hockley, last month.
Police had been appealing for information on his killing but this morning carried out armed raids on addresses in Bilston, Dudley, Walsall and West Birmingham where they arrested the four men, all aged 23 and 24.
Officers carried out more raids throughout the day on addresses in Birmingham, Walsall and Birmingham's Summerfield Industrial Estate where they seized an imitation firearm, four live shotgun cartridges and cannabis with a street value of £1,000.
Police say forensic examinations of a Volkswagen Golf recovered a short time after the murder are still on-going.
Detective inspector Jim Munro, who is leading the investigation, said: “These arrests are a significant step forward in our hunt for Mr Sterling’s killer.
“We are working tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice along with anyone else who was involved in his murder.
“There will be no let-up in our efforts to tackle gun crime and those who seek to make other people’s lives a misery by bringing fear to our cities.”
Police continue to appeal for information on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 as specialist officers keep Mekel’s family updated on the latest developments.
