West Midlands Police have issued an urgent appeal – including CCTV images – to trace a man suspected of a string of violent crimes across Solihull and Birmingham over the last week – including knifepoint carjackings in Weoley and Kings Heath, and a burglary in Harborne.
Wanted
Officers have warned that 41 year old Lee Martin is thought to be armed and very dangerous and should not be approached. Forces across the country have been alerted to the appeal, but it’s thought that Martin is still in the Birmingham area.
Woman kidnapped, assaulted and stabbed
Police initially issued a wanted appeal for Martin after a woman – believed to be known to him – was kidnapped, beaten and stabbed in Solihull last Sunday (5th September). Thankfully, the woman escaped and her physical injuries are not life threatening.
Carjackings & burglary
On Wednesday (8th September), it’s though Martin stole a black BMW from a woman in Kings Heath Park. The car was found two days later on nearby Branscombe Close.
At lunchtime on Friday (10th September), a man believed to be Martin threatened a woman with a knife and attacked her before stealing her grey Nissan Qashqai outside Asda, Barnes Hill. The car has since been located and is being examined by forensic teams.
Four hours later, a house was broken into on Stonebrook Way, Harborne. The householder disturbed the burglar – again, believed to be Martin – who had a knife .
Police are still searching for a navy blue Corsa that was stolen from a woman who had just dropped her daughter at university yesterday (Saturday 11th September). The frightening knifepoint crime happened in Lionel Street, Birmingham city centre just before 7.45pm.
“All police forces in the country have been told that Lee Martin is wanted but we strongly suspect that he is still hiding out somewhere in Birmingham”, said Superintendent Darren Walsh.
“In all of the crimes that he is suspected of carrying out, knives have been used meaning Lee Martin is possibly armed and very dangerous. That’s why we’re asking you to dial 999 if you see him.”
Reward
Crimestoppers have also offered a £3000 reward for information that leads to Lee Martin’s arrest and investigating officers have appealed directly to Martin to hand himself in.
Anyone who sees Martin is asked NOT to approach him but to call 999 with the location as soon as possible.
Anyone with any information on where Martin may be is asked to contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org
