Police launch double murder probe after two men are stabbed to death in armed gang raid on suburban cannabis factory before onlookers see men ‘running away carrying plants’
- Police launch double murder investigation after fight spilled out into the street
- Armed robbery on house today in Brierley Hill near Dudley in the West Midland
- Witnesses called 999 after seeing group of men trying to force entry into home
- Brawl saw two men suffer fatal stab wounds and car crash into parked vehicles
Two men were stabbed to death in an armed robbery on a cannabis factory at a house in the early hours of today with people seen ‘running away carrying plants’.
Police launched a double murder investigation after a fight spilled out into the street outside a house which was attacked in Brierley Hill near Dudley in the West Midlands.
Several witnesses had earlier called 999 after seeing a group of young men trying to force entry into the property and its windows being broken at about 3.30am.
A West Midlands Police forensic officer was later seen recovering a sword from outside the home and putting it inside an evidence box for investigation.
A West Midlands Police forensic officer recovers a sword from a home in Brierley Hill today
Police investigate today after two men were murdered following the raid on a cannabis factory
Police at the scene in Brierley Hill today after a double murder investigation was launched
A forensics officer leaves the scene today during the investigation into the double murder
The fight saw two men suffer stab wounds and a car crash into parked vehicles. A cannabis factory was found by officers inside the property on Pensnett Road.
One man was pronounced dead at the scene while a second man, who was driven to hospital, later died in hospital having suffered also been stabbed.
West Midlands Police arrested one man on suspicion of conspiracy to rob and were investigating today to identify other men involved in the robbery and stabbings.
Homicide Unit Inspector Nick Barnes said: ‘We believe this property was deliberately targeted by a group of men who knew it was being used to cultivate cannabis.
Forensics officers investigate today after a fight spilled out into the street in Brierley Hill
Police tape cordons off the scene today in Brierley Hill near Dudley in the West Midlands
A police tent is established at the scene as officers investigate the double murder this morning
Police vans at the scene of the murder in Brierley Hill near Dudley in the West Midlands today
A cannabis factory was later found inside the property on Pensnett Road this morning
‘Witnesses have reported the property being attacked, windows broken, and men running away carrying plants. In the ensuing disorder two men have suffered fatal knife wounds.
‘We’re appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the disorder or people or vehicles leaving the scene to get in touch.
‘I’d also like to hear from any motorists who were in the area at the time and have dash cam footage as they also may have recorded something important.’
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: ‘On arrival, crews discovered one patient, a man, who had suffered serious stab wounds.
Two bricks are placed over a plastic sheet which appears to have something underneath it
Police activity in Brierley Hill this morning after double murder investigation was launched
A police forensics officer takes a photograph during an investigation in Brierley Hill today
West Midlands Police investigate the double murder in Brierley Hill which happened overnight
A police tent in Brierley Hill today after two men were knifed to death in a suspected robbery
‘He received specialist trauma care from ambulance staff at the scene, who also administered advanced life support.
‘However, despite their best efforts it sadly became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.
‘Around the same time, one ambulance crew and two paramedic officers helped to treat a second man who had been driven to Russells Hall Hospital, he too had suffered serious stab wounds.
‘Sadly, despite the best efforts of ambulance and hospital staff, nothing could be done to save him and he was also confirmed deceased.’
Anyone with information is urged to call West Midlands Police on 101 or message via the force’s website chat, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.