A 12-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the alleged stabbing of a teenager, police have confirmed.
A 16-year-old was found allegedly fatally knifed in Nursery Road in Lozells, Birmingham, at roughly 6.30pm yesterday. He was discovered just 20 minutes after witnesses claimed to have heard gunfire in the area, Birmingham Live reports.
Armed police desperately tried to save the teen before paramedics arrived, but he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Two boys, aged 12 and 15, have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and 19-year-old man, who is currently in hospital with an arm injury, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. All three are due to be questioned.
The victim has not been named but his family are aware of his death and are being supported by specialist officers. A post-mortem examination will be carried out to confirm the cause of his death.
Police appealed for calm following the alleged incident, which comes after a string of violent crimes which left a much-loved dad dead last week and a number of others injured in shootings. Officers could not say whether any of the incidents were linked.
Roads in Lozells were still sealed off this afternoon as officers continued their investigations at the scene. Residents were told to expect a larger-than-usual police presence in the coming days.
Det Insp Laura Harrison, from the force's homicide team, said: “Our officers have worked through the night to speak to witnesses, and gather evidence and CCTV. We have made good progress, but it is still too early to say if this is connected in any way to other incidents in the last few days.
“We know there were others involved and we need to speak to anyone with information who hasn’t already spoken to us.
“This community is understandably shaken by the death of a teenage boy in broad daylight. This violence on our streets has to stop and we will continue to work them to disrupt and deter violent crime.”
Chief Insp James Spencer, responsible for policing in Birmingham, said: “We’re asking for calm within our communities. Murder is the most devastating crime which causes significant distress for the families and friends of the loved one they have lost, the wider community and us as officers who investigate these tragic circumstances.
“We’re dedicated to providing the most compassionate and respectful support during our investigation to the victims’ families as we recognise this is often during their very worst times. We always want to find those responsible and seek to charge and put them before the courts.
“We work closely with a range of partners to try and better understand violence and why it is present within our society with a view to warning people of the dangers and heart-breaking consequences."
Witnesses or anyone with CCTV or mobile phone footage was urged to contact police via the force's Live Chat facility or by calling 101 quoting log 3492 of 12/7. Details can also be left with Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.
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