An investigation is under way after a drive-by shooting in the West Midlands.

A man and a woman were sitting in a car in Birmingham when another vehicle pulled up beside them and a single shot was fired. No-one was hurt.

It is the latest in series of shootings in the city, which have prompted West Midlands Police to take tougher action on firearms crimes.

West Midlands Police say the incident took place as the pair were sitting in a blue sports car near Cope Street in the Ladywood Middleway area of the city just before 2300 BST on Thursday.

Fingertip search

Two men wearing balaclavas pulled up beside the car in a dark coloured estate and fired a single shot.

The bullet went through the driver's window and out of the the passenger side window. The two men then sped off.

Police cordoned off the area and carried out a fingertip search in an attempt to locate the bullet casing and any other potentially vital information.

It is believed the weapon was a small, black handgun and witnesses are being urged to contact the police.

Armed police

In a separate incident on Monday a 35-year-old man was shot in the leg by car thieves.

Two guns were fired in the incident in Hockley in Birmingham.

Last week West Midlands Police announced an initiative to reduce gun crime in the region.

Armed police officers are being moved to targeted locations as part of Operation Ventara which focuses on armed robberies and gang-related shootings.

It follows a rise in the number of incidents involving guns from 125 last year to more than 50 already this year.