Two men killed during a cannabis factory robbery in Dudley have been identified as detectives make “good progress” in their murder investigation.
The man pronounced dead in Pensnett Road, Brierley Hill, was 19-year-old Khuzaimah Douglas from the Moseley area of Birmingham and the 36-year-old man, who later died in hospital, has been named as Waseem Ramzan who lived in Pensnett Road near where disorder broke out in the early hours of Thursday 20th February.
Both men suffered serious injuries and post mortem examinations are taking place to confirm the precise cause of death.
Police received several 999 calls just after 3.30am from people reporting a group of males trying to force entry to a house Pensnett Road.
A fight spilled out into the street during which the victims were fatally stabbed, while a cannabis factory was later uncovered nearby in Pensnett Road which is understood to have been targeted by robbers.
Officers arrested a 19-year-old man yesterday on suspicion of conspiracy to rob and he has now been further arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Munro from our Homicide Unit is now leading the investigation. He said:
“We’ve been working throughout the night to take witness statements and seize CCTV. It’s helped us get a clearer understanding of what’s gone on.
“We believe around seven men attacked an address in which cannabis was being cultivated and were confronted by people who were inside the address.
“We’re working to identify who was involved and we’re making good progress.”
Detectives are still appealing for witnesses or anyone who was in the Pensnett Road area in the early hours of yesterday morning to get in touch. Det Chief Inspector Munro added:
“People may have witnessed the disorder, people or vehicles leaving the scene, or seen something suspicious. We need them to get in touch as every piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial.
“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.”
Dudley Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Sally Bourner, added:
“Our thoughts are with the families of two men who have tragically lost their lives. We have specially trained Family Liaison Officers working with them to offer support.
“This is an awful incident and we recognise the wider impact it can have on our communities. But what I would say is that we believe this address was deliberately targeted, it was not a random attack.
“In the immediate term, local officers are providing reassurance in the area and people should have seen an increase in patrols. Longer term we are working with partners including the council, health, education and charities to tackle violent crime and the root causes of violence.”
Anyone with information is urged to message officers via Live Chat or call 101. Alternatively they can call the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111; callers won’t be asked for their names and calls cannot be traced.
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