Tensions are high in the Handsworth area of Birmingham after two men were shot near Heathfield Primary School during the early hours of Monday morning. The incident, which has left one man injured, has sent shockwaves through the local community — particularly because of its close proximity to a primary school. West Midlands Police are now conducting an urgent investigation into the shooting, with heightened patrols in the area to reassure residents and protect public safety.
Though the shooting happened outside school hours, the location of the attack — mere steps away from a place filled with young children and families during the day — has sparked concern among parents, teachers, and the wider community. This is not just another crime statistic. For many, it is a wake-up call about the growing threat of violent crime in neighborhoods once considered relatively safe.
Let’s delve into the timeline of events, what we know about the victims, and how authorities and the local community are responding.
What Happened on Heathfield Road?
In the early hours of May 26, 2025, emergency services were alerted to reports of gunshots on Heathfield Road in Handsworth, Birmingham — an area located just steps away from Heathfield Primary School. Police say the incident occurred around 2:30 AM, prompting a swift response from both West Midlands Police and ambulance crews.
Upon arrival, officers found two men who had reportedly been targeted by gunfire. The most seriously affected victim, a man in his 20s, had been shot in the leg. Emergency medical responders treated him on the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
The second individual involved in the incident escaped physical harm but is considered a key witness in the case.
The area was immediately cordoned off, and a significant police presence was established around Heathfield Road to secure the scene, protect potential evidence, and begin the initial phase of the investigation.
Victims and Injuries
While full details about the victims have not been disclosed, police have confirmed that the injured man is in his twenties and sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. His condition, though serious, is not considered life-threatening, and he is expected to recover. No other physical injuries have been reported from the scene.
The second man, who was reportedly with the victim at the time of the attack, was not physically harmed and has been cooperating with authorities. Investigators believe both men were deliberately targeted, but they have not yet released information on a possible motive or whether the victims had any known associations with local criminal activity.
Family members of the victims have not made public statements, and authorities are urging respect for their privacy as the investigation unfolds.
Immediate Police Response
The police response to the shooting was swift and organized. West Midlands Police received the alert through ambulance services around 2:30 AM and deployed officers to the scene shortly after. Upon arrival, they secured the perimeter, began collecting forensic evidence, and ensured that the injured man received immediate medical treatment.
Police dogs and specialist armed units were reportedly dispatched to the area in the immediate aftermath of the incident, emphasizing the severity with which the case is being handled.
In the hours following the attack, investigators expanded their efforts by launching a door-to-door appeal for witnesses and collecting CCTV footage from businesses and residences along Heathfield Road. Forensics teams have been combing the area for shell casings, fingerprints, and other critical evidence.
West Midlands Police Statement
In a statement issued later that morning, a spokesperson for West Midlands Police reassured the public while acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
“We are investigating after a man was injured following shots being fired at two men in Heathfield Road, Handsworth in the early hours of today,” the spokesperson said. “We understand that incidents like this can be deeply concerning, especially given the location, and we want to reassure the public that we are doing everything in our power to identify those responsible.”
The force has urged anyone with information to come forward and emphasized that officers will remain highly visible in the area for the foreseeable future. Patrols have been stepped up, especially during school hours, to provide reassurance to families and local residents.
