In a series of incidents highlighting police accountability, a man in Walsall has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, while the Metropolitan Police have settled a civil claim with a retired ballet dancer wrongfully Tasered in his home.

Walsall Assault Investigation

West Midlands Police have arrested a 43-year-old man following a serious assault in the Chantry Avenue area of Walsall. The victim, a man in his 30s, was found with severe injuries in the early hours of Sunday and remains in a serious condition at the hospital. Authorities are actively investigating the case, with officers conducting inquiries and reviewing CCTV footage. The police have urged anyone with information to come forward as local officers maintain a presence in the area for community reassurance.

Metropolitan Police Settle Taser Incident

In a separate case, the Metropolitan Police have reached an out-of-court settlement with Roy Morton, an 80-year-old retired ballet dancer, who was mistakenly Tasered during a bungled raid in December 2021. Morton, who has a pacemaker, was subjected to a traumatic ordeal when firearms officers entered his Cricklewood home looking for a suspect of a different description. Detained for 11 hours, Morton later pursued a civil claim against the Met for negligence and breaches of his human rights.

The Met Police have apologized to Morton, acknowledging the distress caused and the prolonged legal process. DCS Neil Smithson emphasized the force's commitment to learning from the incident, implementing specific training for call handlers to prevent future errors. Morton expressed relief at the settlement but noted the emotional toll of the experience, stating, "I lost my sense of safety and calm in my own home."