Wolverhampton confronts surge in gun violence

Jermaine Smith was fatally shot in All Saints on 25 October

A series of fatal shootings in Wolverhampton has left residents fearful of being "caught in the crossfire".

Four men have been shot dead in the past seven months alone, while other violence in the city has included daylight knife attacks and non-fatal shootings.

The events have prompted urgent talks between city leaders and police, with Warinder Juss, Labour MP for Wolverhampton West, who made the crossfire comment, telling the BBC the situation was "extremely disturbing".

"My focus has been to try and keep engaged with the police, to try and find out from them what action is being taken…to reassure people that they can walk around our streets, they can feel safe," he said.

"I have to say the police response has been good, arrests have been made."

West Midlands Police said the force was "relentless" in pursuing the matters and had brought charges in several murder investigations.

However, while gun crime has been falling across the region, and overall crime in Wolverhampton is down, the recent spate of violence has shaken public confidence.

Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for the killings of Duaine Mills and, pictured, Syed Zain Ali

Syed Zain Ali, 32, and Duaine Mills, 28, were shot dead on Leicester Street in Whitmore Reans, a densely populated area of the city on 19 September.

Police are still searching for 38-year-old Mohammed Maneer Khan, who is wanted in connection with the double murder investigation.

Detectives are urging anyone with information on Mr Khan's whereabouts to come forward.

Just weeks later, the community was rocked again.

On 22 October, Navpreet Singh, 26, was assaulted in a Dudley Road car park and later died in hospital. Police have not revealed whether any weapons were used on Mr Singh whose family said he was "eagerly awaiting" the birth of his second child.

Three days later, Jermaine Smith, 30, a father, was fatally shot in All Saints, less than half a mile away.

Mohammed Maneer Khan, known as Manny, has been named as someone to whom officers wished to speak in connection with the double shooting

"These deaths are deeply tragic," said Reverend Richard Espin-Bradley of St Luke's Church, in Blakenhall.

The most recent deaths were in the parish.

"We will continue to hold not just the families in our prayers, but everybody in the community who's maybe fearful for their safety," he added.

"With other church ministers and fellowships in the city, we want people to know that we are there to offer a welcome and hope."

Despite increased patrols in Whitmore Reans, All Saints and Graiseley, residents have been asking how long the heightened police presence will last.

"With a couple of murders in just a few days, this isn't a very safe area right now so we are definitely looking for a peaceful environment", says Barj Singh, a retailer on Dudley Road.

Crimestoppers has offered a £20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the double Whitmore Reans killings.

Rev Richard Espin-Bradley of St Luke's Church in Blakenhall described the deaths as deeply tragic

The recent violence follows the murder of Neo Graham, 20, who was shot dead in March in the Bushbury area of Wolverhampton. Four people have since appeared in court.

His death marked the beginning of a year that has seen mounting concern over gun crime in the city.

In addition to the fatal shootings, officers have also been dealing with a recent non-fatal shooting near a city centre supermarket. Other violent disorder involves a knife fight in a "peace garden".

There have been increased patrols in Whitmore Reans, All Saints and Graiseley

Wolverhampton's police commander Ch Supt Anthony Tagg declined an interview with the BBC but issued a statement.

"I completely understand why these crimes… make people feel unsafe and harm the reputation of our city," he said.

"We work at pace to target and arrest offenders, with a real focus on those we suspect of being behind violent crime involving weapons."

While police say there is no evidence the recent murder investigations are gang-related, so-called postcode gangs have long operated in Wolverhampton and continue to cause residents concern.

For some, the tipping point has arrived, and they want answers.