A YOUNG man was fighting for life today after being shot in a Birmingham video shop.
The 20-year-old was critically injured when a gunman opened fire in the Bollywood Music and Video Store in Washwood Heath.
The victim, who has not yet been named, was today in hospital and described as in a "critical, but stable" condition. The shooting happened at the shop in Alum Rock Road on Saturday at 11pm.
Police said they were still trying to establish a motive and appealed for witnesses and information. The shooting has rocked the local area where peace group representatives and community leaders said such incidents were very rare.
Members of the interfaith Saltley Gate Peace Group, based at the Saltley Methodist Church - situated directly opposite the site - have been talking with residents and police.
Parish priest for Alum Rock, Father Allan Townsend from St Saviour's Church, and Adam Yosef, chairman of the peace group, met with locals.
Mr Yosef said: "It's been quite a shock for local residents.
"Despite wider misconceptions, shootings in Saltley are very rare and news of Saturday night's affair has shaken many.
"Naturally, parents want to keep their families safe and, in order to do so, they need to assist police with finding the criminals who perpetrated this act.
"This incident is not only a great tragedy for the victim and his family, but a reminder that despite the Government's renewed battle against gun crime.
"There's still quite a distance to go before our streets are as safe as they need to be."
Police sealed off Ellesmere Road and Edmund Road, which are next to the scene and an incident room has been set up.
Chief Supt Tom Coughlan, from Queens Road police, said: "I would ask anyone who was in Alum Rock Road, between Saltley Viaduct and Bowyer Road, around 11pm at Saturday night and who may have seen something to contact the incident room."
The number to phone is 0845 113 5000.
Source: Birmingham Mail
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