Officers raided a home in the Newtown area at 2pm on Sunday where a 17-year-old female was arrested and a revolver − with bullets in the chamber − found in a bedroom. The weapon has been seized for forensic analysis while the teenager has been charged with possessing a handgun − a banned weapon − and possessing ammunition. She has been bailed to appear at Birmingham Youth Court on 21st February.

The arrest followed a police pursuit in the early hours of Sunday morning that resulted in a 16-year-old lad being arrested and a handgun found discarded in the Hockley area.

West Midlands Police were deployed to an incident in Hockley at 12.15am after a member of the public reported seeing men in possession of a gun. Armed officers gave pursuit to a suspect car and motorbike. Minutes later the bike crashed − with two suspects running off − but the car was followed into Park Road where the teenager was arrested. A loaded handgun was later recovered a short distance away from where the bike crashed.

The 16-year-old, from Winson Green, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He’s been bailed till next month, with conditions including an overnight curfew, while enquiries progress.

Last year, West Midlands Police recovered 144 illegal firearms and launched a dedicated operation in Birmingham targeting people aligned to gangs and organised crime. It’s involved regular lockdowns in key locations with police, armed officers and independent observers on the lookout for suspects with gang links and cars linked to crime, plus a series of intelligence-led warrants. It’s resulted in many arrests and charges.