A38 Birmingham drama as armed police chase ends in gunfire

A key Birmingham route is blocked this afternoon after an armed police chase ended in gunfire. West Midlands Police officers have sealed off part of the A38 Kingsbury Road after the pursuit of a van this morning, December 14.

The force said the van was believed to have weapons on board, so firearms officers were deployed. A pursuit began along the A38 towards Erdington.

During the incident, a police firearm was discharged and a police dog was injured. The scene remained live this afternoon, with a cordon in place, partially blocking access to the A38.

LIVE UPDATES: A38 incident live as major police presence blocks key Birmingham route

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Traffic is down to one lane from two and congestion is building up in the area. BirminghamLive spoke to a witness at the scene, who described what unfolded just after 11am.

The witness recalled: "There were at least 10 police vehicles and lots of armed police. I've never seen anything like this."

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "Officers on patrol in Birmingham this morning (14 Dec) spotted a van being driven on cloned plates.

"Information we had on the van showed that weapons may be on board. Firearms officers were deployed and followed the van along Kingsbury Road. Investigations into the van are ongoing.

"During the incident a police firearm was discharged but nobody was hurt. A police dog was injured during the incident and has been taken to the vets to be treated.

"Enquiries are continuing and anyone with information is asked to get in touch via Live Chat or 101 quoting log 1259 of 14 December."

The cordon remains in place this afternoon, restricting the A38 Kingsbury Road to one lane for a short distance and causing some traffic disruption.

We are covering this incident live, follow our blog for updates here.