Boxing, shooting and stabbing day sales in Bullring.

Some would have said there were killer sales in Birmingham today, and after armed police locked off part of the Birmingham Bullring Shopping Centre following reports of a shooting and a stabbing, they could have been correct about the ‘killer’ sales!

One set of youths from an infamous Birmingham gang caught up wid a rival crew as thousands were shopping in the Bullring today. The incident was said to have taken place in the area between Mango and Selfridges inside the shopping centre.

A man has been arrested after a teenager was shot in the leg in Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre.

Police said armed officers were called to reports of an incident involving a gun at about 1420 GMT.

A 19-year-old man was found with the gunshot injury close to Selfridges, inside the 160-store complex.

A 26-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and was receiving hospital treatment for facial injuries, a police spokesman added.

West Midlands Police closed off an area close to the Bull Ring but much of the shopping centre remained open.

Police said a number of areas had been cordoned off both inside and outside the shopping centre while the investigation continued.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said crews found the teenager being treated by security staff for a wound to the upper leg.

“The man, believed to be 19 years old, received further treatment at the scene by ambulance staff and was transferred by ambulance to hospital for further emergency treatment,” a spokesman said.

“A second man, who was also in the vicinity of the Bullring shopping centre, but in a different location, was found with facial injuries.

“Despite ambulance staff advice, the man refused any treatment for his injuries. The man was left with the police at the scene.”

Today was due to be one of the busiest days of the year at the Bullring with thousands of shoppers were ready and waiting for the centre to open at 9am this morning.

Over 25,000 visitors passed through the Bullring’s doors before 12pm to take advantage of the Christmas discounts, with many heading straight for Selfridges and Debenhams.

Tim Walley, general manager, said: “Throughout the day we expect to see over 180,000 shoppers pass through our doors as our savvy shoppers flock to the centre to take advantage of the bargains on offer.

“During Bank Holiday Monday we expect to see in the region of 200,000 shoppers visit Bullring as the centre opens its doors at 9am, whilst Next opens at 5am to kick-start their post-Christmas sale.”

Officers have opened an investigation into the incident. Anyone with information should contact 0345 113 5000.