Boy, 13, hurt in drive-by killing

A TEENAGER was being treated in hospital after a drive-by shooting in which his friend was killed. The 13-year-old was hit in the arm as he and his 27-year-old friend and another man were sitting in a car in Birmingham's Ladywood area.

Detective Superintendent Barrie Simpson, of West Midlands Police, said yesterday that the three who were shot at were all from Manchester. He was unable to say what they were doing in Birmingham.

While police say they are keeping an open mind as to motive, there was speculation that it was gang-related violence. In April a shooting in an area near Ladywood led to the arrest of several men from Greater Manchester.

Since them there been several gang-related shootings in the city, some thought to be linked to Yardie gangs. Supt Simpson said: "There is no connection to the Yardies at the moment. We have to keep an open mind."

The shooting happened on Sunday night as the three sat in a car near a canal wharf close to the city's National Indoor Arena. Several shots were fired, possibly from a handgun, though police said they would have more information about the weapon after a post-mortem examination. Police have declined to name the victim until next-of-kin have been informed.

A spokeswoman said the teenager's condition was said not to be serious and that he was likely to be questioned by detectives when well enough. The man who was unhurt and a fourth - a member of the group but who was away from the vehicle at the time - are also being questioned.