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'Shots fired' in city restaurant | 'Shots fired' in city restaurant |
(10 minutes later) | |
Armed police sealed off a restaurant in a Birmingham retail centre after a number of shots were fired. | |
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said officers were called to a firearms incident in the Mailbox shopping complex in the city at 2145 GMT. | A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said officers were called to a firearms incident in the Mailbox shopping complex in the city at 2145 GMT. |
One witness said he heard a volley of shots and saw people running from Cafe Lazeez, an Asian cuisine restaurant. | One witness said he heard a volley of shots and saw people running from Cafe Lazeez, an Asian cuisine restaurant. |
"A number of shots were discharged. There are no reports of anyone injured at this stage," police said. | "A number of shots were discharged. There are no reports of anyone injured at this stage," police said. |
I could see people clambering over each other like ants, trying to get out Eyewitness | I could see people clambering over each other like ants, trying to get out Eyewitness |
Another witness, an employee of BBC Birmingham - which is based in the Mailbox - said: "I heard a vibration through the floor. | Another witness, an employee of BBC Birmingham - which is based in the Mailbox - said: "I heard a vibration through the floor. |
"I went over to the window which overlooks the restaurant and could see people clambering over each other like ants, trying to get out. | "I went over to the window which overlooks the restaurant and could see people clambering over each other like ants, trying to get out. |
"People were fleeing in desperation. It looked like they were running for their lives. | "People were fleeing in desperation. It looked like they were running for their lives. |
"Initially I thought an explosive device had been detonated in there because that's what it felt like." | "Initially I thought an explosive device had been detonated in there because that's what it felt like." |
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We attended the scene at 2148. When we arrived we took instructions from police and did not enter the restaurant. | A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We attended the scene at 2148. When we arrived we took instructions from police and did not enter the restaurant. |
"We were later stood down and have not treated anyone." | "We were later stood down and have not treated anyone." |
People are still being allowed into the Mailbox. | People are still being allowed into the Mailbox. |
The complex also houses Harvey Nichols, offices and retail outlets as well as restaurants, two hotels and 144 apartments. | The complex also houses Harvey Nichols, offices and retail outlets as well as restaurants, two hotels and 144 apartments. |