Darlaston 'drive-by' shooting latest as police extend emergency search powers across Walsall

Police at the scene in Charles Foster Street, Darlaston.
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Police have extended extra search powers across a whole borough after in the wake of a drive-by shooting. The gunshot victim remains in a stable condition in hospital following the major incident on Friday (Oct 11).

The man in his 40s was taken to hospital after being shot in a 'drive-by' attack on Charles Foster Street, Darlaston shortly after 9am. After the serious incident, police enhanced its stop and search powers across the whole Walsall borough.

Section 60 powers remain in place today until 9.30am on Sunday morning. The special powers mean officers can search people without the need to have reasonable grounds.

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The force's aim is to "keep everyone safe", it says. In a new statement from West Midlands Police, they said: "We've extended our Section 60 powers across #Walsall today and throughout the evening.

"The powers have been extended until 9.30am tomorrow (Sun) morning. The extra powers allow us to search people without the need to have reasonable grounds. Our aim is to keep everyone safe.

"The Section 60 is in place for the whole of the Walsall borough. It follows a serious incident after a man was shot on Charles Foster Street, Darlaston, shortly after 9am yesterday (Fri)."

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The investigation is still in the early stages and police have urged anyone with information to get in touch. They added: "We are in the early stages of our investigation and would appeal for witnesses or people with information, especially mobile or dashcam footage, to please contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101, quoting log number 944 of 11 October.

"Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."