Key Takeaways
- A disorder with weapons erupted outside a Greggs bakery in Sheldon, Birmingham, in broad daylight on Friday, December 19.
- Witnesses reported seeing a firearm and hearing gunshots, with one on-looker shouting "He’s got a gun" as people dived for cover.
- Greggs staff were praised for their bravery in keeping customers safe by locking doors and dropping shutters until the incident came to an end.
- No arrests have been made, and police inquiries are ongoing, with West Midlands Police urging anyone with information to come forward.
- The incident has left customers shaken, with some reporting panic attacks and feeling lucky to have escaped unharmed.
Introduction to the Incident
A disturbing incident of disorder with weapons occurred outside a Greggs bakery in Sheldon, Birmingham, on Friday, December 19, leaving customers shaken and grateful for the quick thinking of the bakery staff. The incident happened in broad daylight, at around 1 pm, outside a string of shops at The Radleys, off Sheldon Heath Road. Witnesses reported seeing two men fighting, with one on-looker shouting "He’s got a gun" as people dived for cover. The situation escalated, with witnesses claiming to have seen a firearm and heard gunshots.
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitness accounts of the incident describe a chaotic and frightening scene. One witness, who was inside the Greggs bakery with her two-year-old, reported seeing the two men fighting outside and someone shouting "He’s got a gun." The witness immediately ran to the back of the bakery, where a staff member suggested they go into a back room for safety and lock the door. Another witness, who was inside the bakery with her daughter, described the scene as "so scary" and praised the woman behind the counter for locking the door and putting the shutters down, keeping everyone safe. The witness noted that there were babies in prams and that the shop was packed, making the situation even more alarming.
Response of Greggs Staff
The staff at the Greggs bakery have been praised for their bravery and quick thinking in responding to the incident. Witnesses reported that the staff locked the doors and dropped the shutters, keeping customers safe until the incident came to an end. One witness noted that the staff were "very brave" and that they had kept everyone safe, including babies in prams. The manager of the bakery was also praised for putting the shutters down to protect customers. The actions of the Greggs staff undoubtedly prevented the situation from escalating further and potentially saved lives.
Police Investigation
West Midlands Police are currently investigating the incident and are urging anyone with information to come forward. A police spokeswoman confirmed that the police were called to The Radleys, Sheldon, shortly before 12.55 pm, on December 19, following reports of a disorder with weapons. The police are asking anyone with information to call them on 101, quoting incident number 2463 of 19 December, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No arrests have been made, and police inquiries are ongoing.
Aftermath of the Incident
The incident has left customers shaken, with some reporting panic attacks and feeling lucky to have escaped unharmed. One witness described being "so shook up to the core" and feeling sick after being in the middle of a gun battle. Another witness noted that they had never been so scared and that the incident had left them feeling unsettled. The incident has also raised concerns about safety in the area, with one witness noting that it was "not safe around Sheldon and certainly not to bring kids up." The incident is a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for communities to come together to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
