Birmingham: Loaded gun, bullets, knives and drugs seized in Nando's police raid

West Midlands Police seized a loaded gun, six bullets, knives and drugs from a gang of teenagers who were eating at a Nando's restaurant in Birmingham city centre.

According to reports, a fight broke out as officers began to search a bag belonging to one of the youths at the restaurant in the popular Bishopgate Street, off Broad Street, branch of the African/Portuguese-themed restaurant.

The fracas began around 11.30pm on Wednesday 13 July and police say that the group of seven were detained. Police say that the bag belonged to a 17-year-old suspect and after searching inside they allegedly found the loaded gun with a further six bullets.

In addition to the firearm, two knives and suspected Class B drugs were found in a search of the six other teenagers inside the popular chicken chain.

All seven, aged between 15 and 19, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and are in police custody.

West Midlands Police refused to reveal why they were called to the restaurant to the Birmingham Mail except to say that it was for "operational" reasons.

Det Chief Insp Sam Ridding, of the force's serious and organised crime unit, said: "It is shocking to think that this group of young men were enjoying a meal in a family restaurant while holding a loaded gun. The penalties for carrying a loaded gun are severe and rightly so. We are determined to tackle this type of criminality and put offenders behind bars.

"The public are our eyes and ears and I would appeal to anyone with information about gun crime to contact us."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.