THE inquest has opened into the deaths of two men who were killed after being shot with a crossbow in a Brierley Hill cannabis farm raid.

Waseem Ramzan, aged 36 and 19-year-old Khuzaimah Douglas, died after a crossbow was discharged during a disorder when a group attempted to raid a cannabis farm on Pensnett Road.

Senior Coroner Zafar Saddique opened the inquest at Black Country Coroner's Court on Wednesday (February 26).

Detective Chief Inspector James Munroe told the court police believe at around 3.30am nine offenders tried to gain entry to a property on Pensnett Road, before a group came out of another property, during which time a crossbow was discharged.

He told the court: "It fatally wounded Mr Douglas and also fatally wounded Mr Ramzan."

He added police found a large amount of cannabis plants in one on the properties.

Mr Ramzan, who was married and worked as a self-employed tradesman, was taken to Russells Hall Hospital where he died.

Mr Douglas, from Moseley in Birmingham, managed to stand and walk to nearby Wilson Road where he also died.

Coroner Saddique suspended proceedings for the criminal investigation into the case to take place.

He said: "I'm going to formally suspend my inquest. I take this opportunity to offer my deepest condolences to both families.

"I am sorry for your loss."