TWO men have died after a stabbing in Brierley Hill during what police say was a robbery at a cannabis factory.

Officers were called at around 3.30am today (Thursday) after members of the public saw a group of men trying to force entry into a house on Pensnett Road, Brierley Hill.

The fight spilled onto the street and two men were stabbed, a car also crashed into parked vehicle.

One man died at the scene, the other died later in hospital.

Stourbridge News:

Pensnett Road was sealed off

Detectives have arrested one man on suspicion of conspiracy to rob and enquires are underway to identify other men involved in the robbery and subsequent stabbings.

Homicide Unit Inspector Nick Barnes, said: “We believe this property was deliberately targeted by a group of men who knew it was being used to cultivate cannabis.

"Witnesses have reported the property being attacked, windows broken, and men running away carrying plants.

“In the ensuing disorder two men have suffered fatal knife wounds."

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called ten minutes later and sent one ambulance, two paramedic officers and a MERIT trauma doctor to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival, crews discovered one patient, a man, who had suffered serious stab wounds. He received specialist trauma care from ambulance staff at the scene, who also administered advanced life support.

“However, despite their best efforts it sadly became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.

“Around the same time, one ambulance crew and two paramedic officers helped to treat a second man who had been driven to Russell’s Hall Hospital, he too had suffered serious stab wounds."

Stourbridge News:

The scene where two men died during a drugs related incident

A resident of the area, who did not wish to be identified, said: "You don't expect it this close to home, it's the world we live in, there is no deterrent to not carry knives.

"There is nothing you can do until they take knives off the streets.

"Two chaps have lost their lives and for what? They are fathers, sons and someone's husband."

Insp Barnes added: “We’re appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed the disorder or people or vehicles leaving the scene to get in touch."

“I’d also like to hear from any motorists who were in the area at the time and have dash cam footage as they also may have recorded something important.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact West Midlands Police by calling 101 or using live chat via their website.

Alternatively they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111; callers won’t be asked for their names and calls cannot be traced.