[Dean C]

Extra armed police are to patrol the streets of Birmingham after two teenage girls were shot dead and another two injured in the city.

The girls, aged 17 and 18, died early on Thursday in a hail of bullets during a New Year's Day party at a hairdressing salon.

Commander David Shaw, of West Midlands Police, said: "These offences are quite exceptional in their brutality and cannot be tolerated.

"There will be extra armed police on the streets - we need to show we mean business."

Mr Shaw said the two girls who died were local but police were no further forward in their inquiries.

Vital

He said it was vital for everyone in the area to help the police in their hunt. "I firmly believe there are people out there who know who is responsible for this."

The party was held at a hairdressers in the Aston area of the city.

Police said they were alerted after a "considerable" number of shots were heard at about 4am.

A car riddled with bullet holes was recovered nearby.

Forensic

Officers who arrived at the scene before paramedics tried in vain to revive the girls.

The two wounded teenagers have been treated in hospital. One has serious injuries.

The scene was sealed off while officers carried out forensic tests and conducted house to house inquiries.

Police say it is too early to link the murders with suggestions of a dispute involving drugs.

Witnesses have been asked to call 0845 113 5000.

Source: sky.com

- miSt