Murder investigation launched following Oldbury stabbing

West Midlands Police have launched a murder investigation following the fatal stabbing of a teenage boy in Oldbury.

Officers have said they are working "flat out" in order to find out who is responsible for the death of the 13-year-old boy.

The boy was found dead at his home on Lovett Avenue on Thursday (August 29th), leaving the local community shocked.

A police cordon was brought in around the property but did not extend to close the surrounding road.

People from the local community and well-wishers have left flowers at the scene in tribute to the late teenager.

Speaking to this station, Cllr Caroline Reid - who attended the scene to leave her own tribute - expressed her frustration at the prevalence of knives in the area.

"It brings tears to my eyes becuase this is another child that's been lost," she said.

"We had another child from West Bromwich who got involved in knife crime, he was only 15 and he was a family friend - and he lost his life to knife crime.

"It's just heartbreaking, and as a mother myself of grandchildren of the same age, I've got so much fear for them."

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: "My thoughts go out to the family and friends of this young boy who lost his life far too soon. Knife crime and other forms of serious violence blights communities – and this is another tragic example of the heartbreaking consequences. It must stop happening.

“It’s an uncomfortable truth that the West Midlands has the highest rate of knife crime in the country. And I’m working closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable to ensure that it remains one of their top priorities to take knives off our streets, bring perpetrators to justice, and to reduce these worryingly high numbers.

“We must also get to the root cause and since becoming Mayor, I’m already taking action to address some of the underlying causes of crime, such as poverty, social exclusion, and lack of opportunities, particularly for our young people."

In a statement released by West Midlands Police later on Friday (August 30th), the force said: "This is a truly sad and tragic incident where a young boy has lost his life."

Speaking to the media, Chief Superintendent Kim Madill paid tribute to the victim and those affected by his passing.

"First and foremost, my thoughts and the thoughts of all involved investigating the death of this young boy remain firmly with the family and the loved ones. I know this will have also had a huge impact on the wider community, who will be shocked and concerned about what has happened."

A spokeswoman confirmed that the incident had taken place "inside his home", before appealing to the public to come forward with any information that could help officers in their enquiries.

Anyone with information can get in touch with the force by calling 101, quoting incident reference number 3204 for August 29th.

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• west midlands police