Figures show rise in gun crime in West Midlands

Gun crime has risen in the West Midlands for the first time in three years, latest figures show.

In 2012-13 there were 499 recorded firearms offences in the region, but in 2013-14 that figure had increased to 540, an increase of 8%.

Police said the rise may be down to more accurate recording of incidents where a gun is involved in a crime but not necessarily discharged.

David Jamieson, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, said he was concerned at the rise.

Gleen Reid, from charity Families for Peace, said the Home Office has cut funding along with financial support for two other local anti gun crime projects.