Two fatal stabbings in Birmingham city centre

Detectives in Birmingham are appealing to witnesses for information relating to a double stabbing which took place on Friday evening.

The attack took place as workers and shoppers made their way home in a busy shopping area of the city centre. One of the victims is understood to have been stabbed outside the Sainsbury’s store in Martineau Place, whilst the other was found near Boots in Union Street having also suffered fatal injuries. 

Officers were on the scene just before 6pm, after receiving reports of the stabbing. They then administered first aid to the men who are believed to have been in their 40s, but both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police arrested a man in connection with the incident near the Odeon Cinema in New Street minutes after the stabbing, but are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time. 

Birmingham Police Inspector, David Keen, said: “Two men have suffered fatal injuries – these have been inflicted in the heart of the city at a busy time when workers and shoppers would be heading home.”

Forensics and search experts cordoned off several areas in and around Union Street to preserve evidence.

Inspector Keen added: “There are potentially hundreds of witnesses, either people who saw the stabbings or the offender leaving the scene, and I’d urge people to get in touch immediately – they  could have vital information.” 

Daniel Cotter