Woman Stabbed in Birmingham Bus Shelter Attack Succumbs to Injuries
A woman who was stabbed in the neck in an unprovoked attack at a bus stop within Birmingham has died, police have confirmed.
The deceased woman, who was 34, was targeted on Smallbrook Queensway street, right beside the Bullring shopping centre, shortly before 21:00 GMT on Friday, West Midlands Police said.
The suspect, 21, appeared before Birmingham court on Monday, charged over the violent incident.
He was previously accused with attempted murder however after the woman's death charges were upgraded to include murder.
Police Response
The force said police personnel will remain in the downtown area on Monday providing public assurance, and investigators were supporting the victim's relatives.
Investigators are requesting for witnesses who may have seen the accused, identified as a Black British national, reportedly dressed in an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers with a backpack.
Attack Site Details
The knife attack occurred near Bullring retail complex, opposite the main entrance to Birmingham New Street station.
Police said they classified it as a random violent act with investigators stating efforts continue to determine why it happened.
Eyewitness Reports
Shalini Doal, employed in the vicinity, recounted the emergency response after completing her work period at about 22:00 on Friday.
She characterized the location as extremely disorderly, and said co-workers reported hearing loud disturbances at about 21:00.
"Many my colleagues use transit services, take the tram... our security is compromised fundamentally, here in the city centre."
Ashley Birks, 25, from Stoke-on-Trent, said he came the city fairly regularly visiting his partner resident there, and was concerned regarding the incident.
"It makes me worried for my girlfriend," he stated.
"She lacks transportation and works at all of the big music venues... and to think something completely unprovoked [happened], you know, it's terrible."
