A MAN has been arrested and a handgun seized after armed cops raided a house in Lye.

The warrant was executed in Gibbs Road, at 5.15am today (October 19) as part of an investigation into two shooting incidents on August 27 in Dudley.

One saw a blank-firing pistol discharged in the car-park of the Hilly House pub at 9.30pm and an hour later a woman reported shots being fired outside her home in Foresters Fold, Lower Gornal.

A 38-year-old man was arrested at the address on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

During a search of the address officers recovered a handgun − which has been sent off for forensic examination − and a taser-style electric shock device.

Detective Inspector Jackie Nicholson from force CID, said: "We suspect the handgun we’ve seized is a blank-firing pistol. However, it clearly has the appearance of a genuine firearm and it’s totally unacceptable for guns like this to be carried or discharged in public.

"The two incidents caused real fear among the public that a viable firearm was being discharged − and we will take positive action against anyone who believes that can behave this way with impunity."

The man remains in police custody for questioning.

Anyone who suspects somebody of possessing an illegal firearm is urged to contact West Midlands Police on 101 or Live Chat via WMP Online between 8am and midnight. Alternatively, people can contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 − callers won’t be asked for their name and calls can’t be traced.