Two stabbed to death in cannabis farm robbery

Neighbours call 999 after seeing group smash windows of house and run away carrying plants

Chiara Giordano
Friday 21 February 2020 11:52 GMT
Police at the scene of a double murder in Pensnett Road, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, where two men were stabbed to death during a suspected robbery at a cannabis factory, 20 February 2020.
Police at the scene of a double murder in Pensnett Road, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, where two men were stabbed to death during a suspected robbery at a cannabis factory, 20 February 2020.

Two men have been stabbed to death in a suspected robbery at a cannabis farm.

Neighbours called 999 after seeing a group of men trying to force their way into a house in Brierley Hill, in the West Midlands, just after 3.30am on Thursday.

The two victims were knifed as a fight spilled out into the street, and a car crashed into parked vehicles.

Witnesses reported seeing the windows of the property being smashed and men running away carrying plants, West Midlands Police said.

One man was pronounced dead at the scene while a second man was driven to hospital where he later died.

A cannabis factory was later found inside a property in Pensnett Road.

One man has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to rob.

Police are still hunting for other men suspected of being involved in the robbery and stabbings.

Inspector Nick Barnes, of West Midlands Police, said: “We believe this property was deliberately targeted by a group of men who knew it was being used to cultivate cannabis.

“Witnesses have reported the property being attacked, windows broken, and men running away carrying plants.

“In the ensuing disorder two men have suffered fatal knife wounds.

“We’re appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the disorder or people or vehicles leaving the scene to get in touch.

“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.”

A forensic tent was put up close to a damaged section of wooden fencing and a car which had its passenger-side door open.

Blue tarpaulin was also placed over the broken bay window of a house in Pensnett Road.

The road remained sealed off by police on Friday as detectives continued their investigation.

A police spokesperson said there had been no updates in the case.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via Live Chat on their website or by calling 101.

To give information anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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