Original subtitles

GLASS SMASHING

SHOUTING

SHOUTING

NARRATOR: Seconds. That's all it takes

NARRATOR: Seconds. That's all it takes

for a brutal crime to be committed.

for a brutal crime to be committed.

My dad found his daughter on the floor in an absolute pool of blood.

My dad found his daughter on the floor in an absolute pool of blood.

But no suspect disappears without a trace.

But no suspect disappears without a trace.

One here, one here.

One here, one here.

A clue, a fragment. Something is always left behind.

A clue, a fragment. Something is always left behind.

A clue, a fragment. Something is always left behind.

It's just finding that inevitable mistake and making the most of it.

It's just finding that inevitable mistake and making the most of it.

In the West Midlands,

the Major Crime team follows every lead.

the Major Crime team follows every lead.

You can see the holes in the curtains

just as the bullets have come through.

just as the bullets have come through.

And then we've got the damage in the coving.

Specialist detectives trained to spot the most subtle of clues.

Specialist detectives trained to spot the most subtle of clues.

Specialist detectives trained to spot the most subtle of clues.

It can be little things. You see what they were wearing,

It can be little things. You see what they were wearing,

what kind of haircut they had on that day.

what kind of haircut they had on that day.

Piecing together the truth.

Ooh! That's a good one. Amazing.

Ooh! That's a good one. Amazing.

And never giving up.

Show me your hands now. Show me your hands.

Show me your hands now. Show me your hands.

Until those responsible are brought to justice.

Until those responsible are brought to justice.

We've got to be there. Dealing with it quickly.

We've got to be there. Dealing with it quickly.

SHOUTING

SHOUTING

Our response will be as robust as the offence itself.

Our response will be as robust as the offence itself.

Get on the floor!

SIRENS

SIRENS

In Walsall,

five men arrive at the Manor Hospital

in a silver VW Passat.

in a silver VW Passat.

One with gunshot wounds. The other's beaten and stabbed.

One with gunshot wounds. The other's beaten and stabbed.

Across town, police speed to the scene,

Across town, police speed to the scene,

after the victims report being attacked by a gang

after the victims report being attacked by a gang

wielding machetes, bats and a gun.

wielding machetes, bats and a gun.

Multiple people are in hospital with life threatening injuries.

Multiple people are in hospital with life threatening injuries.

The priority is to preserve evidence

The priority is to preserve evidence

and build a clearer picture of what happened.

and build a clearer picture of what happened.

A major incident is declared,

A major incident is declared,

as a medical team rushes to triage the victims.

as a medical team rushes to triage the victims.

Less than a mile away, back at the scene of the attack,

Less than a mile away, back at the scene of the attack,

police continue searching for evidence.

police continue searching for evidence.

Due to the seriousness of the attack,

Due to the seriousness of the attack,

Major Crime Team One has taken charge of the investigation.

Major Crime Team One has taken charge of the investigation.

From our perspective, in Major Crime,

From our perspective, in Major Crime,

when a gang-related incident involving weapons,

when a gang-related incident involving weapons,

serious violence takes place,

we've got to be there dealing with it quickly.

we've got to be there dealing with it quickly.

And it's now our responsibility to reassure the community

And it's now our responsibility to reassure the community

that our response will be as robust as the offence itself.

that our response will be as robust as the offence itself.

that our response will be as robust as the offence itself.

Rosie Downes, who heads up the CCTV team,

Rosie Downes, who heads up the CCTV team,

is reviewing the first available footage.

is reviewing the first available footage.

So, 11:23...

So, 11:23...

So, 11:23...

got the victim's car... parking up.

got the victim's car... parking up.

So you start to see the headlights coming across,

So you start to see the headlights coming across,

and it's then that the two vehicles crash into the victim's car.

and it's then that the two vehicles crash into the victim's car.

CLANGING

CLANGING

So you can see here, one of the victims

trying desperately to get out,

but the car is trapped between the wall.

but the car is trapped between the wall.

And so as he's trying to open the door, it's just not possible.

And so as he's trying to open the door, it's just not possible.

And so as he's trying to open the door, it's just not possible.

As you can see here, multiple weapons.

As you can see here, multiple weapons.

So gunman is hiding in the shadows just here. He then comes round.

So gunman is hiding in the shadows just here. He then comes round.

So gunman is hiding in the shadows just here. He then comes round.

He's masked up. Hood up.

He's masked up. Hood up.

Gonna be quite difficult to identify who that person is.

Gonna be quite difficult to identify who that person is.

So you can see... this is the gun. Looks like a pistol of some kind

So you can see... this is the gun. Looks like a pistol of some kind

So you can see... this is the gun. Looks like a pistol of some kind

pointing into the back of the car.

pointing into the back of the car.

GUNSHOT

And the discharge happens.

And the discharge happens.

SCREAMING AND SHOUTING

SCREAMING AND SHOUTING

The screams that you can hear inside the car are...

The screams that you can hear inside the car are...

..horrible.

Driver goes to start the car.

Driver goes to start the car.

Car doesn't start.

Probably from the impact of the crash into the victim's car.

Probably from the impact of the crash into the victim's car.

He gets out holding this weapon here.

He gets out holding this weapon here.

He gets out holding this weapon here.

He then gets back in, and for some reason,

He then gets back in, and for some reason,

he puts the weapon into the car and then runs away.

he puts the weapon into the car and then runs away.

That sheer panic of, "Right, the car doesn't start.

That sheer panic of, "Right, the car doesn't start.

"What do we do?"

Potentially, it's going through their mind that,

Potentially, it's going through their mind that,

"We're going to have to run away on foot.

"I've got a weapon in my hand. I need to get rid of this weapon."

"I've got a weapon in my hand. I need to get rid of this weapon."

And so that's potentially why they've left that in the vehicle.

And so that's potentially why they've left that in the vehicle.

It's a crucial mistake.

It's a crucial mistake.

Detective Inspector Francis Nock

will be leading the manhunt for those involved.

will be leading the manhunt for those involved.

The operation is called Cobblestone.

The operation is called Cobblestone.

This is by far the most actively involved

This is by far the most actively involved

This is by far the most actively involved

firearm discharge that we've dealt with

in terms of the fact you've got nine offenders in two vehicles,

in terms of the fact you've got nine offenders in two vehicles,

all of whom are playing an active, destructive role in this job.

all of whom are playing an active, destructive role in this job.

So everybody's armed. Everybody's got a role to play.

So everybody's armed. Everybody's got a role to play.

The offence is extreme in its nature.

The violence is of the highest possible level.

The violence is of the highest possible level.

Realistically, there's no bigger investigation

Realistically, there's no bigger investigation

that's going to come along in a major crime environment.

In terms of the numbers involved, the level of planning

In terms of the numbers involved, the level of planning

and the sheer severity and ferocity of the attack.

and the sheer severity and ferocity of the attack.

But you can never make any assumptions

But you can never make any assumptions

as to the motive before you've got to the evidence.

as to the motive before you've got to the evidence.

You can tell by the way the vehicles approached

You can tell by the way the vehicles approached

that it was a very planned attack,

which would make sure they were all trapped in the car.

which would make sure they were all trapped in the car.

The weapons were such that

certain weapons were designed to smash windows.

certain weapons were designed to smash windows.

Certain weapons were then designed to stab and slash

Certain weapons were then designed to stab and slash

into the car to cause as much damage as they possibly can.

into the car to cause as much damage as they possibly can.

And this was all a softening up exercise for the gunmen

And this was all a softening up exercise for the gunmen

to then reveal himself and shoot into the car at point-blank range.

to then reveal himself and shoot into the car at point-blank range.

We obviously see shootings, stabbings, you know,

We obviously see shootings, stabbings, you know,

quite often, some of them often quite violent or shocking.

quite often, some of them often quite violent or shocking.

quite often, some of them often quite violent or shocking.

But I think even when probably all of us first watched that footage,

But I think even when probably all of us first watched that footage,

we were like, "Whoa." Like...

we were like, "Whoa." Like...

that's unbelievable that obviously nine of them have done that

that's unbelievable that obviously nine of them have done that

to five individuals in the car.

They could have died.

They could have died.

I agree. What's happened in this job

I agree. What's happened in this job

is a group that thinks they're absolutely untouchable,

is a group that thinks they're absolutely untouchable,

thinks they can do whatever they like on a public street.

thinks they can do whatever they like on a public street.

Clearly thinks the police aren't going to catch them.

Clearly thinks the police aren't going to catch them.

Clearly thinks that they are way above and beyond the law.

Clearly thinks that they are way above and beyond the law.

I think this is probably a representation of a group

I think this is probably a representation of a group

that's been committing acts of violence for a long time

that's been committing acts of violence for a long time

and potentially getting away with it,

to the point where they've done this.

With multiple attackers involved

With multiple attackers involved

in what looks like a carefully coordinated ambush,

in what looks like a carefully coordinated ambush,

Major Crime Team One now faces the challenge

Major Crime Team One now faces the challenge

of identifying and locating

all the gang members before they strike again.

all the gang members before they strike again.

'Time's ticking right from the start.'

'Time's ticking right from the start.'

We've got to identify those people

who have committed that offence and bring them to justice quickly.

who have committed that offence and bring them to justice quickly.

At this stage, their identities are all disguised.

At this stage, their identities are all disguised.

They're all wearing dark clothing.

It's not immediately obvious who is who.

It's not immediately obvious who is who.

It is a challenge, the scope of which I've never faced before.

It is a challenge, the scope of which I've never faced before.

It puts you under pressure.

NARRATOR: Major Crime Team One are searching for a gang

NARRATOR: Major Crime Team One are searching for a gang

responsible for a brutal attack in Walsall

responsible for a brutal attack in Walsall

that left four men seriously injured

that left four men seriously injured

and another in a coma, fighting for his life.

and another in a coma, fighting for his life.

New evidence suggests the ambush was a retaliation over drugs territory,

New evidence suggests the ambush was a retaliation over drugs territory,

New evidence suggests the ambush was a retaliation over drugs territory,

and now Major Crime Team One fear reprisals

and now Major Crime Team One fear reprisals

and a wider drugs war.

Across the West Midlands,

the underground drugs economy is worth £9.4 million every year.

the underground drugs economy is worth £9.4 million every year.

the underground drugs economy is worth £9.4 million every year.

Street dealers can flip a kilo of heroin or cocaine,

Street dealers can flip a kilo of heroin or cocaine,

bought for around £25,000,

bought for around £25,000,

into £100,000, making it extremely profitable.

into £100,000, making it extremely profitable.

into £100,000, making it extremely profitable.

The reason why gangs feud is normally drugs,

The reason why gangs feud is normally drugs,

and the money that comes from drug dealing.

and the money that comes from drug dealing.

Violence often erupts

when one drugs gang tries to muscle in on another's patch.

when one drugs gang tries to muscle in on another's patch.

when one drugs gang tries to muscle in on another's patch.

FRANCIS:In some areas, you've got gangs who are very postcode based.

FRANCIS:In some areas, you've got gangs who are very postcode based.

Some of these gangs are fighting each other for territory.

Some of these gangs are fighting each other for territory.

We have to be on top of our game all the time

We have to be on top of our game all the time

to try and keep on top of it.

OFFICER:Show me your hands now! Show me your hands!

OFFICER:Show me your hands now! Show me your hands!

Show me your hands! Show me your hands!

Show me your hands! Show me your hands!

With the threat of further violence looming,

With the threat of further violence looming,

Francis and his team are under increasing pressure

Francis and his team are under increasing pressure

to solve the case quickly.

You know, the CCTV speaks for itself in terms of the ferocity

You know, the CCTV speaks for itself in terms of the ferocity

and sustained nature of the attack.

and sustained nature of the attack.

As soon as you see that kind of job,

you understand the importance of solving it.

You understand the importance

of identifying this group that's involved.

of identifying this group that's involved.

Francis and his colleague DC Kosh Shorish

Francis and his colleague DC Kosh Shorish

want to understand more about what took place.

want to understand more about what took place.

So are making their way to the scene to walk through the events.

So are making their way to the scene to walk through the events.

We're basically driving the route now that the offending vehicles took

We're basically driving the route now that the offending vehicles took

into the offence. They knew where the victims were.

into the offence. They knew where the victims were.

They knew how they were going to arrange the attack cars,

They knew how they were going to arrange the attack cars,

how they were going to smash into them

and what they were going to do when they got there.

and what they were going to do when they got there.

They are particularly focussed on the chaotic moments

They are particularly focussed on the chaotic moments

during the attack.

So this is the scene of the incident.

So this is the scene of the incident.

What we have here is the victim's vehicle is parked here

What we have here is the victim's vehicle is parked here

What we have here is the victim's vehicle is parked here

on the on the double yellow lines.

It's parked just in between these two cameras here.

It's parked just in between these two cameras here.

What we then see on CCTV is two vehicles, which both ram it.

What we then see on CCTV is two vehicles, which both ram it.

What we then see on CCTV is two vehicles, which both ram it.

First vehicle approaches from this sort of bank over here.

First vehicle approaches from this sort of bank over here.

First vehicle approaches from this sort of bank over here.

And the second vehicle approaches from the front.

And the second vehicle approaches from the front.

Two of them leave on foot. Yeah.

From CCTV, we can tell that they've sort of taken a right here

From CCTV, we can tell that they've sort of taken a right here

and they ran down here. Mm-hm.

and they ran down here. Mm-hm.

And this is in their kind of panic having totalled the vehicle.

And this is in their kind of panic having totalled the vehicle.

So, we've got the profile wearing the shorts.

So, we've got the profile wearing the shorts.

Who just stands on this corner here.

Who just stands on this corner here.

And of course that second profile who runs down this road there.

And of course that second profile who runs down this road there.

And of course that second profile who runs down this road there.

While Francis and Kosh examined the crime scene,

While Francis and Kosh examined the crime scene,

Rosie and her colleague Indi Basra

track the suspect's route as they flee on foot.

track the suspect's route as they flee on foot.

So we got this camera that points here

and this camera that points in here.

and this camera that points in here.

And it's from both cameras

that we start to get a good kind of facial image of him.

that we start to get a good kind of facial image of him.

And it's from this camera that captures him shouting to the car

And it's from this camera that captures him shouting to the car

And it's from this camera that captures him shouting to the car

that actually we capture that really good facial image.

that actually we capture that really good facial image.

Jump in the back of the car?

Yeah. So he gets into the back of the car.

And obviously at that point there's nine people in that car.

And obviously at that point there's nine people in that car.

He's the ninth person getting in there.

He's the ninth person getting in there.

So... And you can actually see the struggle caught on the camera.

So... And you can actually see the struggle caught on the camera.

And you can see that the car is really busy

And you can see that the car is really busy

and they struggle to shut the door behind him.

and they struggle to shut the door behind him.

You know, he's just run. He's breathing heavy.

You know, he's just run. He's breathing heavy.

Maybe he needs the covering off his nose and mouth.

Maybe he needs the covering off his nose and mouth.

Difficult to say, but either way,

Difficult to say, but either way,

very good that he's done it

because it gives us a facial image to work from,

because it gives us a facial image to work from,

albeit it's blurry.

Once we know who we're looking at,

Once we know who we're looking at,

that's going to assist us without a shadow of a doubt.

that's going to assist us without a shadow of a doubt.

Despite capturing the first clear image of a suspect,

Despite capturing the first clear image of a suspect,

the investigation team faces a major problem.

the investigation team faces a major problem.

Footage of the incident has leaked online.

Footage of the incident has leaked online.

I would say the public reaction to this

I would say the public reaction to this

gives us a level of pressure that we hadn't previously seen.

gives us a level of pressure that we hadn't previously seen.

You've got an offence, which is a really significant offence anyway,

You've got an offence, which is a really significant offence anyway,

You've got an offence, which is a really significant offence anyway,

and there's a level of panic...

and there's a level of panic...

..and uncertainty in the community that we really haven't seen before.

..and uncertainty in the community that we really haven't seen before.

..and uncertainty in the community that we really haven't seen before.

Across the West Midlands,

Across the West Midlands,

criminal gangs are locked in a battle for control

criminal gangs are locked in a battle for control

over the most lucrative territories.

over the most lucrative territories.

Expanding beyond cities like Birmingham,

they push their operations into smaller towns

they push their operations into smaller towns

and rural communities to maximise profit.

and rural communities to maximise profit.

Using dedicated phone numbers, gangs send street dealers

Using dedicated phone numbers, gangs send street dealers

to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

to supply crack cocaine and heroin.

A system known as county lines.

A system known as county lines.

As they expand, gangs move in on rival patches

As they expand, gangs move in on rival patches

using intimidation and extreme violence

using intimidation and extreme violence

to seize control of the customer base.

to seize control of the customer base.

And with nearly 400 active drug lines in the West Midlands

And with nearly 400 active drug lines in the West Midlands

at any one time, police are under intense pressure

at any one time, police are under intense pressure

to crack down on street dealers and curb the violence.

to crack down on street dealers and curb the violence.

Known drug dealer was stabbed on the 17th of March.

Known drug dealer was stabbed on the 17th of March.

Was a life threatening.

There have been several retaliatory attacks in relation to his stabbing.

There have been several retaliatory attacks in relation to his stabbing.

Detective Sergeant Gavin McGrath

Detective Sergeant Gavin McGrath

is part of the County Lines Task Force,

is part of the County Lines Task Force,

hunting the street dealers who flood neighbourhoods

hunting the street dealers who flood neighbourhoods

with drugs and violence.

Drug dealing is a violent trade.

Drug dealing is a violent trade.

It's competitive. They all want a slice of the pie.

It's competitive. They all want a slice of the pie.

If another group comes in, that can cause tensions between the groups

If another group comes in, that can cause tensions between the groups

and it is common for violence to occur in certain territories.

and it is common for violence to occur in certain territories.

MAN:So Bromford Lane. Right.

So the junction at Tyburn and Bromford, just north of it.

So the junction at Tyburn and Bromford, just north of it.

We were on a policing operation about two to three weeks ago.

We were on a policing operation about two to three weeks ago.

It was just a constant flurry of drug users turning up,

It was just a constant flurry of drug users turning up,

waiting for deals.

So we think that's a regular location people will come to.

So we think that's a regular location people will come to.

So when you're out and about,

please have a peer if you see people hanging around.

please have a peer if you see people hanging around.

But it was like shooting fish in a barrel, wasn't it?

So many people turning up.

Right. The time is now 6:00.

Can you all be kitted and ready to go by quarter past,

Can you all be kitted and ready to go by quarter past,

no later, please?

The task force is set up to deal with county drug lines

The task force is set up to deal with county drug lines

that sell heroin and crack cocaine.

that sell heroin and crack cocaine.

The link between drug dealing in respect of that class of drugs

The link between drug dealing in respect of that class of drugs

and violence is particularly high.

and violence is particularly high.

So that is our remit.

We effectively play whack a mole.

We effectively play whack a mole.

We're constantly up against new dealers all the time,

We're constantly up against new dealers all the time,

so when we conclude an operation, it's pretty quickly

so when we conclude an operation, it's pretty quickly

we get another one referred into us to have a look at.

we get another one referred into us to have a look at.

But we cover the whole force area, so that could take us anywhere.

But we cover the whole force area, so that could take us anywhere.

Wolverhampton, Coventry into other force areas.

Wolverhampton, Coventry into other force areas.

But Erdington is a priority for us at the moment.

But Erdington is a priority for us at the moment.

Gavin and his team have uncovered a major drugs network

Gavin and his team have uncovered a major drugs network

supplying crack cocaine and heroin to Erdington,

supplying crack cocaine and heroin to Erdington,

a suburb five miles outside Birmingham

a suburb five miles outside Birmingham

with around 20,000 residents.

with around 20,000 residents.

Erdington itself is a busy, urbanised area.

Erdington itself is a busy, urbanised area.

Erdington itself is a busy, urbanised area.

There's a big user base there for drug dealers to tap into.

There's a big user base there for drug dealers to tap into.

There's a big user base there for drug dealers to tap into.

Having identified a suspected drug dealer,

Having identified a suspected drug dealer,

Gavin and his team move in to make an arrest.

Gavin and his team move in to make an arrest.

We've got a pharmacy here.

We've got a pharmacy here.

Let's have a look.

Yeah. That's mushrooms.

Yeah. That's mushrooms.

So... Look here.

That'll be... Let's have a look at that.

I don't think that's crack. That's potentially meth, that is.

I don't think that's crack. That's potentially meth, that is.

Oh, wow. We've got MDMA.

Oh, wow. We've got MDMA.

That'll be coke.

That'll be coke.

That's resin. Yeah. So, yeah, we bag that up, mate.

That's resin. Yeah. So, yeah, we bag that up, mate.

Made a tidy profit today, pal.

Made a tidy profit today, pal.

That's not cannabis. That's spice, that is, I think.

That's not cannabis. That's spice, that is, I think.

Oh, yeah. Yeah, so...

It might be, it might be. It's finely ground.

It might be, it might be. It's finely ground.

Normally, when it looks like that, that's spice.

I'd bag that separately because I think that's going to spice, mate.

I'd bag that separately because I think that's going to spice, mate.

We'll take his phone.

He's got 23%. So I'll get that bagged up and prepped.

He's got 23%. So I'll get that bagged up and prepped.

We'll take that with us

and we'll collect you from wherever you may be.

and we'll collect you from wherever you may be.

The suspect, believed to be part of an Albanian drugs gang,

The suspect, believed to be part of an Albanian drugs gang,

is arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply

is arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply

is arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply

and will be taken into custody for further questioning.

and will be taken into custody for further questioning.

County lines. Yeah, PIC from Erdington

for a possession with intent to supply.

Here you are. Hot drink for you.

Here you are. Hot drink for you.

A county line is a telephone number that has been set up

A county line is a telephone number that has been set up

in order to facilitate the supply of drugs.

in order to facilitate the supply of drugs.

They're running all over the country supplying drugs

They're running all over the country supplying drugs

into various areas of the UK.

So what we chase is the telephone number who is controlling it.

So what we chase is the telephone number who is controlling it.

So what we chase is the telephone number who is controlling it.

And when we do our inquiries, the suspects then emerge.

And when we do our inquiries, the suspects then emerge.

And that's where the investigation starts.

And that's where the investigation starts.

NARRATOR: Major Crime Team One are leading the investigation

NARRATOR: Major Crime Team One are leading the investigation

into a shocking and violent ambush in Walsall,

into a shocking and violent ambush in Walsall,

where a gang targeted their rivals

in an alleged dispute over drugs territory.

in an alleged dispute over drugs territory.

Four of the victims have serious injuries and the other is in a coma.

Four of the victims have serious injuries and the other is in a coma.

DI Francis Nock leads the hunt for those responsible,

DI Francis Nock leads the hunt for those responsible,

as the leaked footage online

as the leaked footage online

threatens to undermine the investigation.

threatens to undermine the investigation.

With the CCTV on social media,

With the CCTV on social media,

there's an added pressure for us to get a result.

there's an added pressure for us to get a result.

But also, there's a lot of people in the community

But also, there's a lot of people in the community

who want to help us, who want to give us information,

who want to help us, who want to give us information,

who don't want this sort of violence on their street.

who don't want this sort of violence on their street.

So what we've ended up with is a huge volume of names presented

So what we've ended up with is a huge volume of names presented

So what we've ended up with is a huge volume of names presented

as possible offenders that we now need to work through.

as possible offenders that we now need to work through.

With the threat of a full-blown drugs war looming,

With the threat of a full-blown drugs war looming,

detectives are in a race against time

detectives are in a race against time

to solve the case before the violence escalates.

to solve the case before the violence escalates.

27 people named as responsible for a job that only nine people did.

27 people named as responsible for a job that only nine people did.

27 people named as responsible for a job that only nine people did.

What's the veracity of all that intelligence?

Where are the nine responsible hiding within that 27?

Where are the nine responsible hiding within that 27?

Even if they are included at all.

Even if they are included at all.

'At this point in time, there's a lot of work to do.

'At this point in time, there's a lot of work to do.

'It was a massive challenge for us.'

'It was a massive challenge for us.'

I'm now responsible for the investigation

I'm now responsible for the investigation

of upwards of 20 individuals

to try and narrow down who's actually responsible for this.

to try and narrow down who's actually responsible for this.

I'm hoping some of the names are in there who have actually done it,

I'm hoping some of the names are in there who have actually done it,

but at this stage, we don't know if they're involved.

but at this stage, we don't know if they're involved.

While Francis and Kosh now have several suspects to pursue,

While Francis and Kosh now have several suspects to pursue,

Rosie uncovers further footage of the attackers fleeing the scene.

Rosie uncovers further footage of the attackers fleeing the scene.

Post offence. We've tracked the car now to its end point.

Post offence. We've tracked the car now to its end point.

Post offence. We've tracked the car now to its end point.

So this is the car coming away from Reedswood Lane.

So this is the car coming away from Reedswood Lane.

So then we've got nine away on foot.

So then we've got nine away on foot.

So this camera... one.

So this camera... one.

So this camera... one.

Two. Three. Four. Five.

Two. Three. Four. Five.

Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. All in line. All holding weapons.

Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. All in line. All holding weapons.

Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. All in line. All holding weapons.

Detectives have tracked the nine suspects further,

Detectives have tracked the nine suspects further,

and new footage from a few streets away from the attack

and new footage from a few streets away from the attack

could be key to identifying those responsible.

could be key to identifying those responsible.

And then this is the Bentley Moor Club,

where our two getaway vehicles are parked.

where our two getaway vehicles are parked.

So obviously the quality of the footage here isn't great.

So obviously the quality of the footage here isn't great.

But I do have a little bit of clothing from the scene

But I do have a little bit of clothing from the scene

But I do have a little bit of clothing from the scene

to work with.

So some of them here, I mean, one's wearing shorts,

So some of them here, I mean, one's wearing shorts,

and there is only one person at the actual offence wearing shorts.

and there is only one person at the actual offence wearing shorts.

and there is only one person at the actual offence wearing shorts.

Got dark coloured trousers here

with the light coloured markings, so I need to do a bit of work now

with the light coloured markings, so I need to do a bit of work now

to identify which profiles these are,

to identify which profiles these are,

and so we can then put them into whichever car.

and so we can then put them into whichever car.

CCTV reveals the gang meeting in the car park

CCTV reveals the gang meeting in the car park

of the Bentley Moor Social Club,

both before and after the attack.

both before and after the attack.

So Francis and Kosh head there to investigate further.

So Francis and Kosh head there to investigate further.

We're coming up here on the...

On the left is the Bentley Moor Social Club.

On the left is the Bentley Moor Social Club.

So it was this camera, wasn't it, that captured...

So it was this camera, wasn't it, that captured...

Be that camera. Yes.

..the main footage of what we could see.

..the main footage of what we could see.

Which was fortunate, wasn't it?

Because they park kind of here almost in front of it.

Because they park kind of here almost in front of it.

As well as CCTV footage,

As well as CCTV footage,

a major piece of evidence has also been recovered from the scene.

a major piece of evidence has also been recovered from the scene.

a major piece of evidence has also been recovered from the scene.

What they found was a machete discarded in the bushes here.

What they found was a machete discarded in the bushes here.

What they found was a machete discarded in the bushes here.

Which was bloodstained.

Which was bloodstained.

So probably as they got back out of the attack vehicles

So probably as they got back out of the attack vehicles

and into the getaway cars, you know,

and into the getaway cars, you know,

they're handling a lot of weapons, a lot of machetes,

they're handling a lot of weapons, a lot of machetes,

but they've got a firearm to worry about.

And some mistakes were made.

And some mistakes were made.

The discarded machete could be crucial.

The discarded machete could be crucial.

Once suspects are identified,

DNA and fingerprints may link them directly to the attack.

DNA and fingerprints may link them directly to the attack.

DNA and fingerprints may link them directly to the attack.

Investigations where criminals make absolutely no mistakes

Investigations where criminals make absolutely no mistakes

are incredibly difficult or impossible to solve.

are incredibly difficult or impossible to solve.

So it's just sometimes about finding that inevitable mistake

So it's just sometimes about finding that inevitable mistake

and making the most of it.

and making the most of it.

So the Bentley Moor Club footage gives us

So the Bentley Moor Club footage gives us

so much in terms of the organisation of the offence.

so much in terms of the organisation of the offence.

We know they're going to be meeting somewhere,

We know they're going to be meeting somewhere,

and that place is the Bentley Moor Club.

It gives us vehicles and gives us a start and an end point

It gives us vehicles and gives us a start and an end point

for all of our different suspects, and it really...

for all of our different suspects, and it really...

sets the tone for the investigation in terms of where we go from there.

sets the tone for the investigation in terms of where we go from there.

Drugs are the lifeblood of organised crime.

Drugs are the lifeblood of organised crime.

The revenue stream that keeps the gangs in business.

The revenue stream that keeps the gangs in business.

GAVIN:Lots of people may see drug users walking around

GAVIN:Lots of people may see drug users walking around

in their local streets, but not actually understand

in their local streets, but not actually understand

the whole dark, secret economy behind it.

the whole dark, secret economy behind it.

The street dealers are on the front line.

The street dealers are on the front line.

If you have a drug line, you're involved in organised crime.

If you have a drug line, you're involved in organised crime.

Drug dealing is their core revenue stream.

Drug dealing is their core revenue stream.

The cash they collect doesn't stay on street corners.

The cash they collect doesn't stay on street corners.

It flows up the chain to the gangs pulling the strings.

It flows up the chain to the gangs pulling the strings.

FRANCIS:There's always some kind of hierarchy.

FRANCIS:There's always some kind of hierarchy.

Essentially, there's nothing the gangs won't do to make money.

Essentially, there's nothing the gangs won't do to make money.

Profits buy the next shipment of drugs, weapons

Profits buy the next shipment of drugs, weapons

and bankrolls violence.

Often knives, machetes, firearms are used,

Often knives, machetes, firearms are used,

creating a whole other set of problems

for the police to investigate and the wider community.

for the police to investigate and the wider community.

So when police shut down a drugs line,

So when police shut down a drugs line,

they're not just making arrests, they're cutting off

they're not just making arrests, they're cutting off

the cash that keeps organised crime alive across the UK.

the cash that keeps organised crime alive across the UK.

the cash that keeps organised crime alive across the UK.

Investigations into the county lines operations

Investigations into the county lines operations

have taken a significant step forward.

have taken a significant step forward.

West Midlands Gang Unit are executing a raid

West Midlands Gang Unit are executing a raid

on a house they suspect is a base for drug dealing.

on a house they suspect is a base for drug dealing.

The raid proves to be a major development

The raid proves to be a major development

for the KP drugs line investigation,

for the KP drugs line investigation,

and Gavin updates his head of department, DI Mark Robinson.

and Gavin updates his head of department, DI Mark Robinson.

When they attended that property,

When they attended that property,

the occupant was a male suffering from cancer, and he was quite ill.

the occupant was a male suffering from cancer, and he was quite ill.

And there was also another female in their crew since deceased.

And there was also another female in their crew since deceased.

Cuckooing is a situation where drug dealers identify

Cuckooing is a situation where drug dealers identify

a vulnerable person, come in and either befriend someone

a vulnerable person, come in and either befriend someone

a vulnerable person, come in and either befriend someone

or use coercion or violence to take over their home address

or use coercion or violence to take over their home address

and use that as a base.

And there were two other males present.

And there were two other males present.

One of them was Lewis Simpson.

He's had to be pinned down, hasn't he? Upon entry.

He's had to be pinned down, hasn't he? Upon entry.

So he's been detained. The other man was Connor Burns.

So he's been detained. The other man was Connor Burns.

Connor Burns was found in the bedroom,

Connor Burns was found in the bedroom,

where a large number of wraps of heroin and crack cocaine

where a large number of wraps of heroin and crack cocaine

were wrapped up in some cling film.

were wrapped up in some cling film.

One of the iPhones that Lewis Simpson had in his possession

One of the iPhones that Lewis Simpson had in his possession

was the KP drugs line.

5624. So that positively links in with that.

5624. So that positively links in with that.

And I've also got a really good drugs recovery.

The lab have tested those drugs and they've confirmed

The lab have tested those drugs and they've confirmed

they're heroin and crack cocaine. So that's where we are with that.

they're heroin and crack cocaine. So that's where we are with that.

So that's where those two start to come under our focus.

So that's where those two start to come under our focus.

Although there are drugs at the address and police seize phones,

Although there are drugs at the address and police seize phones,

24-year-old Lewis Simpson

24-year-old Lewis Simpson

and 23-year-old Connor Burns are released on bail,

and 23-year-old Connor Burns are released on bail,

with conditions not to contact each other.

with conditions not to contact each other.

At the time of that arrest, Lewis and Conner

At the time of that arrest, Lewis and Conner

were not connected to our investigation.

were not connected to our investigation.

However, once they get arrested, we made a link with them

However, once they get arrested, we made a link with them

and the KP drugs line that we were dealing with.

and the KP drugs line that we were dealing with.

That number went permanently down. It never reactivated.

That number went permanently down. It never reactivated.

They had simply started up a new telephone number

They had simply started up a new telephone number

shortly after they had come out of custody.

shortly after they had come out of custody.

So once 5624 drops,

So once 5624 drops,

So once 5624 drops,

1466 starts shortly after.

1466 starts shortly after.

And we've identified that to be a continuation of the KP drugs line.

And we've identified that to be a continuation of the KP drugs line.

It's been a bit of a difficult job really.

It's been a bit of a difficult job really.

It's been quite convoluted, quite complicated around

It's been quite convoluted, quite complicated around

how the suspects are operating.

Once they get arrested

they don't then hang everything up and walk away from it.

they don't then hang everything up and walk away from it.

Lewis and Connor, the way they operate was very good

Lewis and Connor, the way they operate was very good

and very difficult to get on top of,

and very difficult to get on top of,

and I think they'd been operating this way for some time,

and I think they'd been operating this way for some time,

hence why they had not been picked up on sooner.

hence why they had not been picked up on sooner.

They may be able to run for a little while, but they can't do it forever.

They may be able to run for a little while, but they can't do it forever.

NARRATOR: Major Crime Team One

are investigating a violent ambush in Walsall,

are investigating a violent ambush in Walsall,

where one gang allegedly attacked another

where one gang allegedly attacked another

in a fight over drugs territory.

Leaked footage of the incident fuels the pressure,

Leaked footage of the incident fuels the pressure,

as 27 names are given to investigators by the public.

as 27 names are given to investigators by the public.

as 27 names are given to investigators by the public.

Now, fearing reprisals and a wider drugs war,

Now, fearing reprisals and a wider drugs war,

DI Francis Nock makes a crucial decision.

DI Francis Nock makes a crucial decision.

So working through the names we've had, I've picked on some names

So working through the names we've had, I've picked on some names

who have been presented by intelligence a few times.

who have been presented by intelligence a few times.

We really can't wait in an instance like this.

We really can't wait in an instance like this.

It's too much risk and there's too much evidence to be lost.

It's too much risk and there's too much evidence to be lost.

We need to strike, and we need to strike against the people who

We need to strike, and we need to strike against the people who

I believe, at this time, are most likely to be involved.

I believe, at this time, are most likely to be involved.

A raid is launched,

and eight armed response officers move in on a flat in Walsall,

and eight armed response officers move in on a flat in Walsall,

where two of the gang's attackers may be hiding.

where two of the gang's attackers may be hiding.

The purpose of arresting them quickly is to get our hands on them.

The purpose of arresting them quickly is to get our hands on them.

The purpose of arresting them quickly is to get our hands on them.

Search premises, seize items

Search premises, seize items

and investigate their whereabouts and their involvement

and investigate their whereabouts and their involvement

to really understand whether these are members

to really understand whether these are members

of the attacking group or not.

When we searched that flat, we recovered drugs

When we searched that flat, we recovered drugs

and we recovered phones.

So there's evidence there of criminality.

The team make two arrests -

Amar Shazad and Hezar Iyaiz -

Amar Shazad and Hezar Iyaiz -

Amar Shazad and Hezar Iyaiz -

and also seize large quantities of class A drugs.

and also seize large quantities of class A drugs.

and also seize large quantities of class A drugs.

However, a new problem has emerged.

However, a new problem has emerged.

Amar Shazad and Hezar Iyaiz,

Amar Shazad and Hezar Iyaiz,

their phones do not go to the offence location.

their phones do not go to the offence location.

At this stage, it doesn't put them at the scene,

At this stage, it doesn't put them at the scene,

and that's what we're trying to do.

And therefore they've been released on bail

with conditions while we continue to investigate the case.

with conditions while we continue to investigate the case.

But that's just the nature of this kind of investigation.

But that's just the nature of this kind of investigation.

When things are this organised and there's this many people involved,

When things are this organised and there's this many people involved,

there's going to be stumbling blocks all over the place.

there's going to be stumbling blocks all over the place.

It's a setback for the team. But now Rosie has a breakthrough.

It's a setback for the team. But now Rosie has a breakthrough.

It's a setback for the team. But now Rosie has a breakthrough.

She's tracked one of the cars seen outside

She's tracked one of the cars seen outside

the Bentley Moor Social Club before the attack.

the Bentley Moor Social Club before the attack.

We identified this vehicle dropping two people off at Bentley Moor Club.

We identified this vehicle dropping two people off at Bentley Moor Club.

We identified this vehicle dropping two people off at Bentley Moor Club.

We identified this vehicle dropping two people off at Bentley Moor Club.

And so using CCTV and tracking that vehicle back,

And so using CCTV and tracking that vehicle back,

we were able to identify the registration plate of that vehicle.

we were able to identify the registration plate of that vehicle.

And from there we were able to identify

And from there we were able to identify

a financial transaction that takes place at the BP garage in West Brom.

a financial transaction that takes place at the BP garage in West Brom.

a financial transaction that takes place at the BP garage in West Brom.

And so what we have here is this vehicle present

And so what we have here is this vehicle present

with the registration plate confirmed from CCTV

with the registration plate confirmed from CCTV

with the registration plate confirmed from CCTV

as being our vehicle.

And here we have the offender filling up petrol of that car.

And here we have the offender filling up petrol of that car.

And here we have the offender filling up petrol of that car.

This is kind of the best image that we had.

This is kind of the best image that we had.

So from this alone... the shorts stand out to me.

So from this alone... the shorts stand out to me.

So from this alone... the shorts stand out to me.

So this light coloured marking that I see just here.

So this light coloured marking that I see just here.

So this light coloured marking that I see just here.

The offender that runs away on foot, away from the scene,

The offender that runs away on foot, away from the scene,

and gets into the car,

and gets into the car,

he's wearing similar shorts to that.

he's wearing similar shorts to that.

So you've got the kind of dark shorts

So you've got the kind of dark shorts

with a light coloured marking on the left-hand side.

with a light coloured marking on the left-hand side.

And the fact that he's filling up this vehicle

And the fact that he's filling up this vehicle

And the fact that he's filling up this vehicle

shows us that this is highly likely

shows us that this is highly likely

to be one of the offenders involved in the incident.

to be one of the offenders involved in the incident.

The evidence is key in helping identify the name of the suspect.

The evidence is key in helping identify the name of the suspect.

The evidence is key in helping identify the name of the suspect.

Mohammed Sajid.

Mohammed Sajid.

And now his name has been circulated to police forces across the country.

And now his name has been circulated to police forces across the country.

And now his name has been circulated to police forces across the country.

And now his name has been circulated to police forces across the country.

The following morning, we got an alert from the airport police

The following morning, we got an alert from the airport police

that Mohammed Sajid was planning to fly abroad to Lahore in Pakistan.

that Mohammed Sajid was planning to fly abroad to Lahore in Pakistan.

that Mohammed Sajid was planning to fly abroad to Lahore in Pakistan.

Our inquiries have shown that he booked this flight

Our inquiries have shown that he booked this flight

four hours before it was due to take off.

four hours before it was due to take off.

It shows that he's panicking.

It shows that he's trying to flee the country.

It shows that he's trying to flee the country.

But before he can escape, police intercept Sajid

But before he can escape, police intercept Sajid

in the departure lounge at Birmingham Airport.

in the departure lounge at Birmingham Airport.

Detectives hope that by questioning Sajid,

Detectives hope that by questioning Sajid,

he will lead them to known associates

he will lead them to known associates

and potentially new suspects.

As inquiries with Sajid get started,

As inquiries with Sajid get started,

another vehicle leaving the Bentley Moor Social Club

another vehicle leaving the Bentley Moor Social Club

has emerged as a new focus of the investigation.

has emerged as a new focus of the investigation.

We had a BMW coming away from the Bentley Moor Club.

We had a BMW coming away from the Bentley Moor Club.

We had a BMW coming away from the Bentley Moor Club.

So once we started tracking that vehicle to try and identify it,

So once we started tracking that vehicle to try and identify it,

that was a vehicle linked to Amar Khan.

that was a vehicle linked to Amar Khan.

So again, once we started looking at his financial transactions

So again, once we started looking at his financial transactions

So again, once we started looking at his financial transactions

throughout the day of the offence,

that provided us with CCTV footage of his clothing

that provided us with CCTV footage of his clothing

that provided us with CCTV footage of his clothing

and his connection with Mohammed Sajid

and his connection with Mohammed Sajid

the day of the offence.

the day of the offence.

It was actually from here that we were able to track them.

It was actually from here that we were able to track them.

It appears from the evidence

that Amar Khan is actually the leader of this group.

that Amar Khan is actually the leader of this group.

So we see him early on in the day positioning vehicles that we know

So we see him early on in the day positioning vehicles that we know

are subsequently used in the attack or to get away from the attack.

are subsequently used in the attack or to get away from the attack.

He collects and delivers a number of other offenders

He collects and delivers a number of other offenders

to the Bentley Moor Club.

And then when you see the CCTV

and you hear from the witnesses in the car actually, at the scene,

and you hear from the witnesses in the car actually, at the scene,

he's directing weapons.

He's in possession of multiple weapons.

And it even appears he calls in the shooter to get the gun.

And it even appears he calls in the shooter to get the gun.

So it appears that Amar Khan is in control.

So it appears that Amar Khan is in control.

But within days of the offence, Amar Khan fled the country.

But within days of the offence, Amar Khan fled the country.

He did so using a false passport and his destination is unknown.

He did so using a false passport and his destination is unknown.

He did so using a false passport and his destination is unknown.

So finding him is going to be a huge challenge.

So finding him is going to be a huge challenge.

While Major Crime Team One continues to hunt those

While Major Crime Team One continues to hunt those

behind drugs-related violence,

the County Lines Task Force focuses on the funding

the County Lines Task Force focuses on the funding

by targeting the KP drugs line.

by targeting the KP drugs line.

GAVIN MCGRATH:These are officers that are on general patrol.

GAVIN MCGRATH:These are officers that are on general patrol.

They don't know we're carrying out a drugs operation

They don't know we're carrying out a drugs operation

in respect of the KP drugs line.

And they've seen what they perceive to be a drug user

And they've seen what they perceive to be a drug user

getting the back of this car.

It looks like they've seen the officers

and they've reacted to their presence, so they've driven off.

and they've reacted to their presence, so they've driven off.

It was apparent to me that the reason for the delay

It was apparent to me that the reason for the delay

from the point they were asked to pull over

to the point that they do pull over

is because they're concealing drugs, they're turning off the drugs line.

is because they're concealing drugs, they're turning off the drugs line.

They're trying to get ready for that stop

to minimise the risk of them being arrested.

to minimise the risk of them being arrested.

There is a male in the back. He's quite clearly a drug user.

There is a male in the back. He's quite clearly a drug user.

He doesn't share any ties with these two boys.

He doesn't share any ties with these two boys.

The driver of that car was Connor Burns.

This is our first sort of indication with Ryan Bowen.

This is our first sort of indication with Ryan Bowen.

So this is Ryan Bowen, who's also a suspect.

So this is Ryan Bowen, who's also a suspect.

The red Apple iPhone picked up by the officers in that stop

The red Apple iPhone picked up by the officers in that stop

is the KP drug line.

is the KP drug line.

You got it?

These two were taken in for a strip search.

These two were taken in for a strip search.

They've been taken in before. No wraps have being found.

They've been taken in before. No wraps have being found.

It's quite clear that drugs are being swallowed

It's quite clear that drugs are being swallowed

or they're being concealed internally,

hence why no arrests are happening, why police aren't seizing the drugs.

hence why no arrests are happening, why police aren't seizing the drugs.

So we've had to go into a bit of a deeper dive

So we've had to go into a bit of a deeper dive

about what the drugs line was doing.

about what the drugs line was doing.

At 10:15, the KP drugs line

suddenly stopped its normal, usual activity,

suddenly stopped its normal, usual activity,

coinciding with that encounter with the police.

coinciding with that encounter with the police.

They get detained by the police for some time.

They get detained by the police for some time.

For a whole hour, that phone is no longer in use.

For a whole hour, that phone is no longer in use.

The KP drugs line had turned back on at 11:16,

The KP drugs line had turned back on at 11:16,

and that coincided with Connor Burns and Ryan Bowen

and that coincided with Connor Burns and Ryan Bowen

being released by the police from that drug search.

being released by the police from that drug search.

As soon as they're released,

they have turned that phone back on and gone back out to supply drugs.

they have turned that phone back on and gone back out to supply drugs.

Whilst we can say something's a drugs line,

we've got to prove they sell heroin.

We've got to prove they sell crack. This is a complicated case

We've got to prove they sell crack. This is a complicated case

because the group themselves are quite disciplined.

because the group themselves are quite disciplined.

They've got the drugs line with them,

but whenever they're getting stopped, they've got no drugs.

but whenever they're getting stopped, they've got no drugs.

So the questions would arise,

"If you think they're drug dealing, why aren't you finding drugs?"

"If you think they're drug dealing, why aren't you finding drugs?"

While Gavin focuses on how the drugs are funded,

While Gavin focuses on how the drugs are funded,

Major Crime Team One continues to investigate the Walsall attack,

Major Crime Team One continues to investigate the Walsall attack,

Major Crime Team One continues to investigate the Walsall attack,

where one gang allegedly targeted another over drug territory.

where one gang allegedly targeted another over drug territory.

Amar Shazad and Hezar Iyaiz were first to be arrested,

Amar Shazad and Hezar Iyaiz were first to be arrested,

Amar Shazad and Hezar Iyaiz were first to be arrested,

but both were released due to a lack of evidence.

but both were released due to a lack of evidence.

Mohammed Sajid remains under questioning,

Mohammed Sajid remains under questioning,

while suspected ringleader Amar Khan has fled the country.

while suspected ringleader Amar Khan has fled the country.

while suspected ringleader Amar Khan has fled the country.

But now, one of the victims has woken from a coma

But now, one of the victims has woken from a coma

and provided more information.

and provided more information.

So ... was sat in the driver's seat initially,

So ... was sat in the driver's seat initially,

So ... was sat in the driver's seat initially,

and then when the vehicle is rammed, as he's getting attacked,

and then when the vehicle is rammed, as he's getting attacked,

and then when the vehicle is rammed, as he's getting attacked,

he sort of goes to the back of the vehicle for safety

he sort of goes to the back of the vehicle for safety

he sort of goes to the back of the vehicle for safety

and then crouches in between the back seat wells.

and then crouches in between the back seat wells.

and then crouches in between the back seat wells.

They spent some time in hospital because of his injuries.

They spent some time in hospital because of his injuries.

They were quite serious. We interviewed him.

They were quite serious. We interviewed him.

They were quite serious. We interviewed him.

He provided a very detailed account of the incident

He provided a very detailed account of the incident

He provided a very detailed account of the incident

and what he went through.

and what he went through.

He explained that he recognised some of the suspects.

He explained that he recognised some of the suspects.

He explained that he recognised some of the suspects.

Well, recognised their voices

Well, recognised their voices

because they all had face masks on, etc.

because they all had face masks on, etc.

He said he remembers one of them shouting the name Monkey Amar.

He said he remembers one of them shouting the name Monkey Amar.

He said he remembers one of them shouting the name Monkey Amar.

MEN SHOUTING

MEN SHOUTING

And then he remembers another one saying, "It's me, Hezar."

And then he remembers another one saying, "It's me, Hezar."

And then he remembers another one saying, "It's me, Hezar."

And he recognises both voice and both people

And he recognises both voice and both people

as Amar Shazad and Hezar Iyaiz.

as Amar Shazad and Hezar Iyaiz.

With one of the victims identifying Amar Shazad

With one of the victims identifying Amar Shazad

and Hezar Iyaiz at the scene,

and Hezar Iyaiz at the scene,

police have fresh grounds to re-arrest them.

police have fresh grounds to re-arrest them.

On arrest, the team wants to gather CCTV footage

On arrest, the team wants to gather CCTV footage

from the suspect's home.

With the two suspects back in custody,

With the two suspects back in custody,

detectives must prove Amar Shazad and Hezar Iyaiz were at the scene.

detectives must prove Amar Shazad and Hezar Iyaiz were at the scene.

detectives must prove Amar Shazad and Hezar Iyaiz were at the scene.

Their phone data doesn't place them in the area

Their phone data doesn't place them in the area

at the time of the attack.

But now officers focus on a new piece of evidence.

But now officers focus on a new piece of evidence.

Footage that we obtained from his home address on arrest

Footage that we obtained from his home address on arrest

Footage that we obtained from his home address on arrest

captures him, many hours before the offence,

captures him, many hours before the offence,

leaving his home address.

leaving his home address.

And you start to see the clothing that he's wearing.

And you start to see the clothing that he's wearing.

Dark coloured trousers, and importantly,

Dark coloured trousers, and importantly,

he's got this light coloured stretch down both sides of the leg.

he's got this light coloured stretch down both sides of the leg.

he's got this light coloured stretch down both sides of the leg.

So that light coloured marking is consistent

So that light coloured marking is consistent

with the trousers worn by the gunman at the scene.

with the trousers worn by the gunman at the scene.

with the trousers worn by the gunman at the scene.

So that's then when we started looking at his movements,

So that's then when we started looking at his movements,

erm... with the idea that he is the gunman.

erm... with the idea that he is the gunman.

erm... with the idea that he is the gunman.

And from the markings on the trousers, we can be confident

And from the markings on the trousers, we can be confident

that he's the person who handled the gun at the scene.

that he's the person who handled the gun at the scene.

It's key evidence against suspected gunman Hezar Iyaiz,

It's key evidence against suspected gunman Hezar Iyaiz,

but police are still urgently trying to identify

but police are still urgently trying to identify

the other violent attackers.

the other violent attackers.

Now, new CCTV from a petrol station could help uncover more suspects.

Now, new CCTV from a petrol station could help uncover more suspects.

Now, new CCTV from a petrol station could help uncover more suspects.

So, one of the vehicles that arrives at the Bentley Moor Club

So, one of the vehicles that arrives at the Bentley Moor Club

to drop off some of our offenders is a silver Passat.

to drop off some of our offenders is a silver Passat.

We tracked that silver Passat backwards.

We tracked that silver Passat backwards.

Eventually, we track it back to a petrol station.

Eventually, we track it back to a petrol station.

It's done the rounds prior to the offence. Out drug dealing.

It's done the rounds prior to the offence. Out drug dealing.

And in that vehicle it's clearly Kamran Moore and Shazad Mahmood.

And in that vehicle it's clearly Kamran Moore and Shazad Mahmood.

And in that vehicle it's clearly Kamran Moore and Shazad Mahmood.

They then get a call from Amar Khan

They then get a call from Amar Khan

as he makes his way up towards Bentley Moor Club.

as he makes his way up towards Bentley Moor Club.

And we see that vehicle moving. So they've been given the go-ahead.

And we see that vehicle moving. So they've been given the go-ahead.

And that's Kamran Moore and Shazad Mahmood

And that's Kamran Moore and Shazad Mahmood

arriving at the offence.

With the recovery of this footage, Major Crime Team One strikes.

With the recovery of this footage, Major Crime Team One strikes.

With the recovery of this footage, Major Crime Team One strikes.

Eight armed response officers move in on the home of Shazad Mahmood.

Eight armed response officers move in on the home of Shazad Mahmood.

Eight armed response officers move in on the home of Shazad Mahmood.

For the element of surprise,

the chainsaw will cut through the reinforced uPVC door.

the chainsaw will cut through the reinforced uPVC door.

the chainsaw will cut through the reinforced uPVC door.

Unlike a standard battering ram,

which would cost them time that they cannot afford to lose.

which would cost them time that they cannot afford to lose.

which would cost them time that they cannot afford to lose.

The raid on Shazad Mahmood uncovers class A drugs.

The raid on Shazad Mahmood uncovers class A drugs.

The raid on Shazad Mahmood uncovers class A drugs.

Police later arrested four more suspects,

Police later arrested four more suspects,

including the youngest gang member, 21-year-old Kamran Moore,

including the youngest gang member, 21-year-old Kamran Moore,

including the youngest gang member, 21-year-old Kamran Moore,

bringing the total to eight in custody over the Walsall attack.

bringing the total to eight in custody over the Walsall attack.

bringing the total to eight in custody over the Walsall attack.

But the alleged ringleader, Amar Khan, is still on the run.

But the alleged ringleader, Amar Khan, is still on the run.

But the alleged ringleader, Amar Khan, is still on the run.

He's got two options now, either hand himself in,

He's got two options now, either hand himself in,

or he can go on the run for the rest of his life. Yeah.

or he can go on the run for the rest of his life. Yeah.

You want to bring everybody to justice in a case like this.

You want to bring everybody to justice in a case like this.

The fact we can't get our hands on him is hugely frustrating

The fact we can't get our hands on him is hugely frustrating

and something we're going to have to remedy

and something we're going to have to remedy

because it's going to bother us until we get him.

because it's going to bother us until we get him.

So that's a challenge that is ongoing.

So that's a challenge that is ongoing.

NARRATOR: As part of efforts to crack down on drugs

NARRATOR: As part of efforts to crack down on drugs

across the West Midlands,

the County Lines Task Force is targeting a network

the County Lines Task Force is targeting a network

known as the KP drugs line.

known as the KP drugs line.

Whilst we can say something's a drugs line,

Whilst we can say something's a drugs line,

we've got to prove they sell heroin, prove they sell crack.

we've got to prove they sell heroin, prove they sell crack.

Ryan, Lewis and Connor,

Ryan, Lewis and Connor,

whenever they're getting stopped, they've got no drugs.

whenever they're getting stopped, they've got no drugs.

So we've had to go into a deeper dive

So we've had to go into a deeper dive

about what the drugs line was doing.

SIRENS

SIRENS

Then, on the 9th of May,

Then, on the 9th of May,

the Operation Skybridge team make a crucial stop on a car.

the Operation Skybridge team make a crucial stop on a car.

the Operation Skybridge team make a crucial stop on a car.

One of the occupants

is part of Gavin's KP county line investigation.

is part of Gavin's KP county line investigation.

GAVIN:Connor Burns is the driver.

GAVIN:Connor Burns is the driver.

We find a new individual in that car, which was Dylan Ford.

We find a new individual in that car, which was Dylan Ford.

We find a new individual in that car, which was Dylan Ford.

He's the fourth person now we have identified within this group.

He's the fourth person now we have identified within this group.

Connor and Dylan and Lewis

Connor and Dylan and Lewis

have all been stopped together in some sort of fashion.

have all been stopped together in some sort of fashion.

£300 was in the centre cup holder, so they get searched.

£300 was in the centre cup holder, so they get searched.

They also get strip searched as well.

Again, no drugs have been found.

But what these officers do do

But what these officers do do

is they have a look at the boys' handsets.

is they have a look at the boys' handsets.

And when that comes back to us in intelligence,

And when that comes back to us in intelligence,

we check the call data.

And it's the KP drugs line 1466 that they've got in that car.

And it's the KP drugs line 1466 that they've got in that car.

And it's the KP drugs line 1466 that they've got in that car.

When we examine and analyse that data,

When we examine and analyse that data,

it was quite clear that the drugs line had turned off.

it was quite clear that the drugs line had turned off.

It was no longer receiving or making any calls.

It was no longer receiving or making any calls.

There was no text messages going to or from that telephone number.

There was no text messages going to or from that telephone number.

And then once the stop is finished,

And then once the stop is finished,

that telephone number will later then reactivate

that telephone number will later then reactivate

and carry on its business.

And we felt that that was no coincidence.

And we felt that that was no coincidence.

Three days prior to this stop on the 5th of May,

Three days prior to this stop on the 5th of May,

and the drugs line gets topped up at a newsagents

and the drugs line gets topped up at a newsagents

in Erdington on the Tyburn Road.

A male we believe to be Ryan Bowen walks into that shop

A male we believe to be Ryan Bowen walks into that shop

and buys a voucher for the drugs line,

so we're quite happy they're acting on behalf of the KP drugs line.

so we're quite happy they're acting on behalf of the KP drugs line.

Despite no drugs being seized, Gavin and his team have established a link

Despite no drugs being seized, Gavin and his team have established a link

Despite no drugs being seized, Gavin and his team have established a link

between activity on the KP drugs line

between activity on the KP drugs line

and their four suspects,

allowing the investigation to move to the next stage.

allowing the investigation to move to the next stage.

We could say the KP drugs line was selling heroin and crack cocaine.

We could say the KP drugs line was selling heroin and crack cocaine.

What we had to show was that they were in control of it.

What we had to show was that they were in control of it.

It was those multiple encounters made by police

on body camera that showed that they had control of it.

on body camera that showed that they had control of it.

We're quite happy that all these boys are involved

We're quite happy that all these boys are involved

and they're sitting on that drugs line, operating on that drugs line,

and they're sitting on that drugs line, operating on that drugs line,

and supplying heroin and crack.

If we snare these four and if they're charged,

If we snare these four and if they're charged,

that drugs line should stop.

As Gavin targets the KP drugs line

As Gavin targets the KP drugs line

and the cash behind wider drugs wars in the West Midlands,

and the cash behind wider drugs wars in the West Midlands,

and the cash behind wider drugs wars in the West Midlands,

eight men involved in the violent attack in Walsall

eight men involved in the violent attack in Walsall

have pled guilty

and are being sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

and are being sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

GUNSHOT

They'll serve a minimum of two thirds of the sentences

They'll serve a minimum of two thirds of the sentences

they're given today,

so anyone sentenced to 18 years, for example,

so anyone sentenced to 18 years, for example,

is doing a minimum of 12 in prison

is doing a minimum of 12 in prison

before they can be considered for parole,

which is... a significant period of time, obviously.

which is... a significant period of time, obviously.

You know, for a man in his early 20s, goes to prison for 12 years,

You know, for a man in his early 20s, goes to prison for 12 years,

he's a different man by the time he comes out, inevitably,

he's a different man by the time he comes out, inevitably,

because he's 12 years older.

Hopefully... different,

Hopefully... different,

hopefully learnt some kind of lesson,

hopefully not wanting to go back at least.

hopefully not wanting to go back at least.

For their part in the brutal assault,

For their part in the brutal assault,

the eight members of the Walsall gang

the eight members of the Walsall gang

received sentences totalling 118 years.

received sentences totalling 118 years.

Good sentence, yeah.

Probably could have gone higher, in my opinion.

Probably could have gone higher, in my opinion.

Yeah. But at the end of the day, it's about...

Yeah. But at the end of the day, it's about...

putting these guys away for a significant period, isn't it?

putting these guys away for a significant period, isn't it?

It's been my most difficult investigation

It's been my most difficult investigation

without a shadow of a doubt.

The complexity, the size of it.

But sentences are really significant.

But sentences are really significant.

It protects the public from these people for a long time.

It protects the public from these people for a long time.

So overall, I'm really happy.

So overall, I'm really happy.

Great. Good to get it done as well. Good to get it done.

Great. Good to get it done as well. Good to get it done.

But despite the result, a cloud hangs over the investigation.

But despite the result, a cloud hangs over the investigation.

But despite the result, a cloud hangs over the investigation.

The alleged ringleader, Amar Khan, continues to evade justice.

The alleged ringleader, Amar Khan, continues to evade justice.

The alleged ringleader, Amar Khan, continues to evade justice.

As Major Crime Team One continue their search for Khan,

As Major Crime Team One continue their search for Khan,

another operation gathers pace.

another operation gathers pace.

Gavin and his team prepare to move in on the KP drugs line.

Gavin and his team prepare to move in on the KP drugs line.

What we'll do, we'll strike at the addresses.

What we'll do, we'll strike at the addresses.

If I get you five to head down there. Hold close.

If I get you five to head down there. Hold close.

We might be a bit of a live wire, so just be aware of that.

We might be a bit of a live wire, so just be aware of that.

To prevent any of the suspects from running or destroying evidence,

To prevent any of the suspects from running or destroying evidence,

the team plan to arrest all four men at the same time.

the team plan to arrest all four men at the same time.

We're going to move very shortly.

So if we all get back to cars and stuff

and then we'll start to make towards.

If we only arrest two of those subjects,

If we only arrest two of those subjects,

the other two are going to find out quite quickly

the other two are going to find out quite quickly

that they have been arrested.

So they're going to get rid of evidence, get rid of their clothing,

So they're going to get rid of evidence, get rid of their clothing,

get rid of drugs, get rid of their personal phones.

get rid of drugs, get rid of their personal phones.

So it's really important to us that, one,

we get all four in at the same time

to make a proper disruption into the drugs line.

to make a proper disruption into the drugs line.

But, two, it also gives us the biggest advantage

But, two, it also gives us the biggest advantage

of getting the evidence that we're seeking.

of getting the evidence that we're seeking.

They lead quite chaotic lifestyles, which is unsurprising for, you know,

They lead quite chaotic lifestyles, which is unsurprising for, you know,

They lead quite chaotic lifestyles, which is unsurprising for, you know,

people who take part in these type of offences.

people who take part in these type of offences.

So we think we've got them down to three addresses,

So we think we've got them down to three addresses,

possibly a fourth address, this morning.

possibly a fourth address, this morning.

12 armed response officers join the County Lines Task Force

12 armed response officers join the County Lines Task Force

as they move in on several addresses around Shard End in Birmingham.

as they move in on several addresses around Shard End in Birmingham.

as they move in on several addresses around Shard End in Birmingham.

When going into a raid, I have a number of concerns before we do it.

When going into a raid, I have a number of concerns before we do it.

Whether we're going to be recovering drugs,

whether we're going to be finding phones,

I'm always anxious that we're not going to find them all.

I'm always anxious that we're not going to find them all.

Yeah, all resources are in place. We're all clear.

Yeah, all resources are in place. We're all clear.

Yeah. All officers on this channel, it will be strike, strike, strike.

Yeah. All officers on this channel, it will be strike, strike, strike.

Yeah. All officers on this channel, it will be strike, strike, strike.

And also, these operations are quite high risk.

And also, these operations are quite high risk.

We're crashing through people's doors

We're crashing through people's doors

in the early hours of the morning.

They're not going to be particularly happy about that.

They're not going to be particularly happy about that.

NARRATOR: As part of the war on drugs in the West Midlands,

NARRATOR: As part of the war on drugs in the West Midlands,

Gavin McGrath and the County Lines Task Force

Gavin McGrath and the County Lines Task Force

have been targeting the funding behind the drug gangs.

have been targeting the funding behind the drug gangs.

After uncovering the KP drugs line, they identified four suspects.

After uncovering the KP drugs line, they identified four suspects.

After uncovering the KP drugs line, they identified four suspects.

Connor Burns, Lewis Simpson, Ryan Bowen and Dylan Ford.

Connor Burns, Lewis Simpson, Ryan Bowen and Dylan Ford.

Connor Burns, Lewis Simpson, Ryan Bowen and Dylan Ford.

Now, they are about to bring them all in.

Now, they are about to bring them all in.

Thanks, Kel.

Thanks, Kel.

Connor Burns is arrested first.

Connor Burns is arrested first.

At the same time, other raids are taking place across town.

At the same time, other raids are taking place across town.

At the same time, other raids are taking place across town.

SAW WHIRS

SAW WHIRS

SAW WHIRS

Lewis Simpson is the second member of the KP drug line to be arrested.

Lewis Simpson is the second member of the KP drug line to be arrested.

Lewis Simpson is the second member of the KP drug line to be arrested.

The team were hoping to find Dylan Ford

The team were hoping to find Dylan Ford

at the same address as Connor Burns, but he's not there.

at the same address as Connor Burns, but he's not there.

Yeah, mate, we've got Burns at this address.

Ford's outstanding, mate.

Just need to find him now.

But I'll work on that. All right, pal.

But I'll work on that. All right, pal.

Not far away, police approached the home of Ryan Bowen.

Not far away, police approached the home of Ryan Bowen.

Not far away, police approached the home of Ryan Bowen.

Oh, you got him? Where?

Oh, you got him? Where?

Got Ryan Bowen.

Got Ryan Bowen.

Oh, wonderful, mate. That's great news, mate.

Oh, wonderful, mate. That's great news, mate.

While there are no drugs,

While there are no drugs,

a large amount of cash is found at Ryan Bowen's property.

a large amount of cash is found at Ryan Bowen's property.

a large amount of cash is found at Ryan Bowen's property.

The search of Lewis Simpson's address yields eight machetes

The search of Lewis Simpson's address yields eight machetes

and drug dealing paraphernalia.

and drug dealing paraphernalia.

And while evidence is being gathered,

Gavin prepares to search the address where Connor Burns was arrested.

Gavin prepares to search the address where Connor Burns was arrested.

This is his bedroom. So we got over here.

This is his bedroom. So we got over here.

We've got a set of scales that are on display

just behind you over there.

There's a phone over there that's going to be of interest to us.

There's a phone over there that's going to be of interest to us.

We've got some cash over here that's been stacked up with a lock knife.

We've got some cash over here that's been stacked up with a lock knife.

We've got some cash over here that's been stacked up with a lock knife.

And then we've got a set of keys here.

And then we've got a set of keys here.

We weren't aware he had a car,

We weren't aware he had a car,

so we'll get these three cars checked out.

so we'll get these three cars checked out.

I don't think there's been any recovery of drugs. But the thing is,

I don't think there's been any recovery of drugs. But the thing is,

we've got all these car keys. They're going to be in the cars.

we've got all these car keys. They're going to be in the cars.

So far, we've executed three warrants against these suspects,

So far, we've executed three warrants against these suspects,

So far, we've executed three warrants against these suspects,

as we planned to do.

Dylan Ford we'll continue to make inquiries into where he is,

Dylan Ford we'll continue to make inquiries into where he is,

but at the moment, so far, a good result for us.

but at the moment, so far, a good result for us.

We never know where they're going to be,

but we've got three out of four that we want.

Despite compelling evidence, further searches

Despite compelling evidence, further searches

of Ryan and Lewis's vehicles uncovered no drugs.

of Ryan and Lewis's vehicles uncovered no drugs.

of Ryan and Lewis's vehicles uncovered no drugs.

Ryan, Connor and Lewis will be subject to questioning.

Ryan, Connor and Lewis will be subject to questioning.

We will put the evidence to them.

We will put the evidence to them.

We'll accuse them of being involved in a conspiracy to supply drugs

We'll accuse them of being involved in a conspiracy to supply drugs

We'll accuse them of being involved in a conspiracy to supply drugs

and give them an opportunity to account for themselves.

and give them an opportunity to account for themselves.

As the three suspects

in the KP drugs line case are being interviewed,

in the KP drugs line case are being interviewed,

Gavin begins gathering further evidence.

Gavin begins gathering further evidence.

We've now got the data from Ryan Bowen's handset,

We've now got the data from Ryan Bowen's handset,

which we've now processed. A drugs line is like any other business.

which we've now processed. A drugs line is like any other business.

They have all the same issues a regular business does.

They have all the same issues a regular business does.

And Ryan's incurring expenses as part of being employed

And Ryan's incurring expenses as part of being employed

by that drugs line.

So he's totting up his expenses so he can claim them back out,

So he's totting up his expenses so he can claim them back out,

out of the float.

Three or three for free.

Three or three for free.

Which would suggest that's payment of drugs.

Or he's been given a number of wraps for what he's done that day.

Or he's been given a number of wraps for what he's done that day.

And then there's a reference to 27 items.

And then there's a reference to 27 items.

So it's very rare that they will explicitly describe drugs.

So it's very rare that they will explicitly describe drugs.

So they'll refer to it as items or something of that nature.

So they'll refer to it as items or something of that nature.

So that will indicate what he's got left over

So that will indicate what he's got left over

at the end of that shift.

When I looked at his search history,

When I looked at his search history,

so there's some things that he searched for,

so there's some things that he searched for,

such as "can police bug your phone?"

such as "can police bug your phone?"

"Why do police take photos of me on the roadside?"

"Why do police take photos of me on the roadside?"

So he's obviously got some sort of preoccupation

So he's obviously got some sort of preoccupation

as to what the police's capabilities are.

as to what the police's capabilities are.

Given the case that we do have,

this is certainly strong supporting evidence

and strengthens the case that we already have against him.

and strengthens the case that we already have against him.

We have sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.

We have sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.

Even with no drugs,

they determined there was sufficient evidence to charge them

they determined there was sufficient evidence to charge them

with being involved in the supply class A drugs.

with being involved in the supply class A drugs.

At this point, Dylan Ford is still at large.

At this point, Dylan Ford is still at large.

We don't know where he is.

We don't know where he is.

We feel the KP drugs line is lucrative and a profitable business.

We feel the KP drugs line is lucrative and a profitable business.

We feel the KP drugs line is lucrative and a profitable business.

It may reactivate, should we not be able to get him into custody.

It may reactivate, should we not be able to get him into custody.

One month after the verdicts in the Walsall attack...

One month after the verdicts in the Walsall attack...

..Major Crime Team One have had a significant breakthrough.

..Major Crime Team One have had a significant breakthrough.

After searching for Amar Khan for upwards of a year...

After searching for Amar Khan for upwards of a year...

After searching for Amar Khan for upwards of a year...

..we get notification from the Turkish authorities

..we get notification from the Turkish authorities

that he's been arrested in Turkey

with a false passport, trying to enter the country.

with a false passport, trying to enter the country.

So a complete surprise for us.

Sometimes, policing just gives you those pleasant surprises,

Sometimes, policing just gives you those pleasant surprises,

which is great after all that hard work.

All we need to do is attend the airport and get him.

All we need to do is attend the airport and get him.

So it's the best piece of news I've had all year.

So it's the best piece of news I've had all year.

Kosh and colleague Tabitha Bridgewater

Kosh and colleague Tabitha Bridgewater

have gone to Birmingham Airport to arrest Amar Khan.

have gone to Birmingham Airport to arrest Amar Khan.

It's the final piece of the jigsaw for the team.

It's the final piece of the jigsaw for the team.

Each of the victims has made a full recovery.

Each of the victims has made a full recovery.

And with alleged ringleader, Amar Khan, now in custody,

And with alleged ringleader, Amar Khan, now in custody,

nine suspects behind the shocking Walsall attack have been charged.

nine suspects behind the shocking Walsall attack have been charged.

nine suspects behind the shocking Walsall attack have been charged.

Cobblestone's my proudest achievement as a police officer.

Cobblestone's my proudest achievement as a police officer.

This arrest completes our investigation.

We've got no further outstanding suspects.

We've got no further outstanding suspects.

So it's putting Cobblestone to bed, which is a great achievement for us.

So it's putting Cobblestone to bed, which is a great achievement for us.

So it's putting Cobblestone to bed, which is a great achievement for us.

Weeks after the arrests of the other KP drug gang members,

Weeks after the arrests of the other KP drug gang members,

Weeks after the arrests of the other KP drug gang members,

police have received information about the potential whereabouts

police have received information about the potential whereabouts

of the remaining suspect, Dylan Ford.

of the remaining suspect, Dylan Ford.

Hello there. Is it BLEEP? No, I'm BLEEP.

Hello there. Is it BLEEP? No, I'm BLEEP.

Connor Burns, Ryan Bowen, Lewis Simpson and Dylan Ford

Connor Burns, Ryan Bowen, Lewis Simpson and Dylan Ford

Connor Burns, Ryan Bowen, Lewis Simpson and Dylan Ford

were all charged and convicted

were all charged and convicted

in the conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

in the conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

I'm really pleased we have all four included in that case.

I'm really pleased we have all four included in that case.

I'm really pleased we have all four included in that case.

They're quite challenging investigations,

They're quite challenging investigations,

so it was really satisfying to demonstrate to that group

so it was really satisfying to demonstrate to that group

that we could catch them.

The reality is, once we deal with this drugs line,

The reality is, once we deal with this drugs line,

we are simply given another one.

we are simply given another one.

So, yeah, it will be just straight on to the next job.

So, yeah, it will be just straight on to the next job.