Woman Stabbed in Birmingham Bus Shelter Attack Succumbs to Injuries
The female victim who was stabbed to her neck area in an unprovoked attack near a bus shelter within Birmingham has passed away, police have confirmed.
The deceased woman, aged 34 years, came under attack on Smallbrook Queensway street, right beside Bullring shopping complex, shortly before 9 PM GMT Friday evening, West Midlands Police said.
The suspect, twenty-one, was presented at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday, charged over the attack.
Originally charged with attempted murder however after the victim's passing the charge has been updated to murder.
Police Response
Authorities stated police personnel will remain around the city centre on Monday providing public assurance, while detectives assisted the victim's relatives.
Investigators are requesting for witnesses who may have seen Mr Rafael, identified as a Black British national, reportedly dressed in grey athletic wear, black hat, athletic shoes and rucksack.
Incident Location
The stabbing happened near the Bullring shopping centre, across from primary access point of New Street railway station.
Law enforcement confirmed they classified it as "unprovoked attack" and Det Insp James Nix said they were working to understand the motive behind.
Eyewitness Reports
Shalini Doal, who works nearby, recounted the emergency response when she finished her shift at about 22:00 Friday night.
She characterized the location as extremely disorderly, and said some of her colleagues heard a commotion at about 21:00.
"Many co-workers take public transport, ride the tramline... our security is compromised fundamentally, in the downtown area."
Ashley Birks, twenty-five, resident of Stoke, mentioned visiting to Birmingham fairly regularly visiting his partner who lives in the city, and was concerned regarding the incident.
"It causes concern about my partner," he said.
"She doesn't drive employed at all of the big music venues... considering something completely unprovoked occurred, you know, it's horrible."