7 arrested after police raid petrol station and recover assorted weapons
Police have arrested seven people after uncovering a stash of guns, knives and machetes during a raid at a petrol station.
Armed officers swooped on a row of businesses around the Gulf Petrol Station in Birmingham today amid a major operation.
Firearms officers, drone officers, dog handlers, and officers from the Organised Crime and Gangs team descended on the complex at around 2:30 am, where they seized several dangerous weapons.
Two stun guns, shotgun cartridges and a large number of knives and machetes were all recovered and are now being examined by officers.
In custody
Seven men aged in their 20s, 30s and 40s were also arrested on suspicion of a range of offences and remain in custody, West Midlands Police said.
The force said officers had carried out a warrant at an address on Washwood Heath Road, although the exact nature of the incident remains unknown.
Photos taken from the scene show forensics officers handling many guns, including what appears to be a shotgun and a revolver.
A black Vauxhall was also pictured at the site of the raid, with a large dent and several scratches along the front passenger door.
Assorted weapons
Detective Chief Inspector Sara Beech, from the Birmingham Organised Crime and Gangs Team, said: ‘This is one of the biggest warrants of its kind that we’ve carried out in years, and it’s great to have recovered so many firearms in one go.
‘We will not stop in our pursuit of criminals who access and use firearms, which cause so much misery to our communities.’
Multiple cordons had been placed around the petrol station earlier today. Clayton Road was also blocked off, with traffic diverted.
The raid was carried out as part of Operation Target, which is the force’s designated operation for tackling serious and organised criminality across the West Midlands.
