A 17-year-old boy has been stabbed to death in broad daylight in Birmingham's Victoria Square. The attack occurred at approximately 3.30pm on Saturday in the busy public square outside the Town Hall and Council House.
West Midlands Police have launched a murder investigation and increased their presence in the city centre. No arrests have been made so far. Chief Inspector James Spencer expressed condolences to the victim's family and assured the public that detectives are working to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
Police are treating the incident as isolated but are maintaining a visible presence across the city centre. They are appealing for witnesses, particularly tourists who may have been taking pictures by The River statue near the Council House, as they might hold vital information.
This tragic event comes amid rising knife crime statistics; the Office for National Statistics reported that knife homicides in England and Wales reached a 76-year high in 2021/22, with male victims increasing by 18%.
Anyone with information is urged to contact West Midlands Police on 101 or online, quoting log 2619 of January 20.
