[UPDATE: CCTV released] Murder enquiry launched after multiple stabbings in Birmingham city centre

UPDATE: CCTV images released

From West Midlands Police :

Detectives have released footage of a man they want to speak to after a series of stabbings in Birmingham city centre in the early hours of this morning where one man died and seven other people were injured.

A 23-year-old man suffered fatal injuries in Irving Street. A man and a woman, aged 19 and 32, suffered critical injuries, and five other people, aged between 23 and 33, were also injured. They were treated in hospital and so far two have been discharged.

Extras officers have flooded the city centre as four scenes have been held throughout the day and forensic experts have examined each area.

We received our first call to Constitution Hill just after 12.30am where a man received a superficial injury, followed by a further call 20 minutes later to Livery Street. A 19-year-old man was critically injured and a woman was also injured.

An hour later at 1.50am we were called to Irving Street where sadly one man lost his life and another man suffered serious injuries. Ten minutes later we were called to Hurst Street where a 32-year-old woman was seriously injured and two men received lesser injuries.

Chief Superintendent Steve Graham said: “We do not underestimate the impact that these incidents have had on the city of Birmingham today. We declared this a major incident at the earliest opportunity and we have drafted in scores of officers to help with the investigation and patrol the city to reassure residents and visitors that we are doing all we can to apprehend the person responsible.

“We have worked throughout the day to trawl CCTV footage and speak to witnesses to ensure we release the best possible video and image of the man we want to speak to.

“At this stage we believe that the attacks were random and we have no indication of a motive. I would urge people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to us.

“We are appealing for anyone who recognises the man in the footage to contact us urgently. We have a hotline number and a dedicated web page where you can submit information, photos and videos. If you see him, please do not approach him, but dial 999 immediately.”

Click here to upload any video footage or images.

The number to call with information relating to these incidents is 0800 056 0944

This is the first footage of a man we want to speak to after last night’s murder and stabbings in #Birmingham.

Do you know him? Have you seen him?

Get the latest on the investigation, and details on how to send us your information, photos and videos here ➡️ http://ow.ly/FAjF50BjlVn

The number to call with information relating to these incidents is 0800 056 0944.

Posted by West Midlands Police on Sunday, 6 September 2020

[Original post]

West Midlands Police are seeking one suspect in connection with multiple stabbings in Birmingham during the early hours of this morning (Sunday 6th September). The incidents – which happened in several locations throughout the city centre – left one dead and seven others injured.

West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed that three people – two men and a woman – suffered critical injuries and were taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. One man sadly died shortly after arrival.

Five others suffered injuries which are not thought to be life-threatening.

One suspect sought

At a press conference this morning, Chief Superintendent Steve Green said that officers are currently seeking one suspect in connection with the what appeared to be ‘random’ stabbings which took place between 12.30am and 2.210 am.

Police cordons remain in place at a number of scenes across the city, including Livery Street, Irving Street and Hurst Street.

There is an increased presence of uniformed and armed officers in the city today.

Information appeal

Officers are appealing for anyone who witnessed events or anyone who may have any CCTV or mobile phone footage in or around the incidents to get in contact as soon as possible.

“Tragic and shocking”

Chief Superintendent Steve Graham, responsible for policing in Birmingham, said: “The events during the early hours of this morning are tragic, shocking and understandably frightening.

“Please be assured that we are doing absolutely everything we can to find whoever was responsible and try to understand what exactly happened.

“We have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents. Your safety is always our priority and that’s why you’ll see an increase in officers on the streets.

“In the meantime, we’d ask anyone who’s in the city to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to us.”

Press conference

‘Thoughts with the victims and families’

The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, said: “Last night’s events are truly terrible and have shocked the people of Birmingham, the West Midlands and the country.

“My first thoughts are with the victims and their families at this time.

“I have every faith in West Midlands Police who are working extremely quickly on this investigation.

“My thanks also go to the ambulance and hospital staff who are working around the clock to help those who have been injured.”

‘Tribute to ambulance staff’

West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed that five patients in total were taken to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and a further two patients with non life-threatening injuries were taken to Heartlands Hospital for treatment.

An eighth patient with minor injuries did not receive ambulance treatment.

Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Nathan Hudson, said: “This was clearly a very serious situation with a large number of patients, some with very serious injuries.

“My thoughts are with the families of those hurt, particularly of the man who tragically lost his life.

“I must pay tribute to the ambulance staff who worked so hard at the scene and en-route to hospital, to help each of the patients hurt.

“We train for incidents like this on a regular basis which meant that we were able to get a large number of ambulance resources into the scene very rapidly so that patients got the care they needed as quickly as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time. Call 999 if there is any immediate danger.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org 

Our thoughts go out to all those affected by these tragic events. x

Cover image by Ian Britton on Flickr