Street cordoned off as police investigate shooting near Smethwick restaurant

Emergency response teams have cordoned off a street outside a restaurant in Birmingham.

Police and forensic officers are on the scene outside the Avenue Bar Restaurant and Grill on Rolfe Street in Smethwick.

Officers say gun shots were fired at the venue in the early hours of this morning (17 June).

A man in his 40s and a man in his 20s were taken to hospital with serious injuries. They remain in hospital for treatment.

A woman was also taken to hospital with injuries - she's since been discharged.

West Midlands Police has said it is reviewing CCTV and is carrying out other enquiries to identify who was responsible.

Officers will be increasing their patrols the area in the coming days.

In a statement, the force said: "Officers are increasing their patrols the area in the coming days as we know how concerning this incident is for the community. Road closures are in place in the surrounding area while we carry out our enquiries and motorists are advised to use alternative routes.

"Anyone who has any information or was at the venue is asked to contact us via Live Chat on our website or call 101 quoting 412 of June 17."

The road closure is causing disruption, with bus services 54 and 54A being diverted.

National Express wrote on social media platform X:

"Service disruption due to an incident on Rolfe Street."54 and 54A will be using Soho Way. We apologise for any disruption to your journey".