Photo: Press
The second day of Birmingham's Circo Loco In The Arena was cancelled after a man was shot in the stomach on Saturday (10 August). A major police investigation has begun.
Police have reported that a 35-year-old man was shot in the stomach outside the Rainbow Warehouse on Digbeth High Street shortly before midnight.
The victim was given first aid at the scene and before being taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition. Police say that his injuries are 'life-threatening' and his family have been informed.
The second day of the event was subsequently cancelled, with Circo Loco tweeting:
Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have to cancel today's event. We'll have more information on tickets & refunds this week.
— CircolocoInTheArena (@CircolocoArena) August 11, 2013
Detective Inspector Justin Spanner, from West Midlands CID, has released the following statement: "This is a very serious crime which must have been very frightening for clubbers to witness.
"Resources from a range of West Midlands Police departments responded to the initial call and we continue to make use of their expertise as the investigation moves forward. The motive for the attack remains unclear but initial enquiries indicate this was a targeted attack and that the gunman escaped on foot."
He continued: "We’ve been working hard to reduce gun crime across the region but crimes like this – no matter how rare they are – tarnish Birmingham’s reputation as a great place to enjoy a fantastic night out. “If we are to understand why this shooting occurred and bring those responsible before the courts, I need anyone who was in the area at the time and has not yet spoken to police to get in touch.”
Witnesses or anyone with information can contact police on 101, or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
