Police search for attackers after 14-year-old murdered in Kingstanding
It happened last night (Monday).
Last updated 1st Jun 2021
Police are hunting up to seven attackers after the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Birmingham.
West Midlands Police said they understand the teenager at around 7.30pm on Monday in the Kingstanding area.
The youngster is believed to have been chased on College Road in Kingstanding by a number of people in the direction of McDonald's.
Up to seven people are then believed to have ran off towards Chester Road.
The force has launched a murder investigation and said the area has been 'flooded' with officers who are searching for the offenders.
They're speaking to witnesses and fast-tracking CCTV inquiries.
There's been speculation locally that the attack was racially motivated, but police say at this stage, they don't believe that was the case.
Det Ch Insp Stu Mobberley, leading the investigation, said:
“We’ve made rapid progress in the investigation already and are following up a number of really strong lines of enquiry.
“We know there tensions and emotions are high, and we’re aware that there is some speculation in the community that this was a racially motivated attack.
“At the moment, there is nothing to suggest that this is a racially motivated attack.
“What we do know is that this was appalling violence which has cost a young lad his life.
“We still have witnesses to speak to, and I’d urge anyone with information to get in touch with us as quickly as possible so that we can arrest those involved in this appalling attack.”
A post-mortem will be held this afternoon.
Labour MP Jack Dromey, whose Erdington constituency includes the area where the stabbing happened, said:
'Truly shocking that a 14-year-old teenage boy in Kingstanding was stabbed to death this evening.
'Anyone with any information should contact West Midlands Police.
'My condolences to his family.'
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said they were called to the scene at 7.35pm on Monday, arriving within five minutes.
She added:
'Crews arrived to find a teenage boy in a critical condition following a stabbing.
'The team of ambulance staff worked together to administer advanced life support at the scene.
'Tragically, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save the boy and he was confirmed dead at the scene a short time later.''
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