Birmingham stabbings: One dead, 7 injured as hunt on for suspect

No indication the stabbings were terror-related: Police

Britain Stabbings

Multiple stabbings were reported in the city of Birmingham after midnight on Sunday, in what the West Midlands police called a ‘major incident’, which has left one dead and seven injured. A murder investigation is now on with police hunting a single male suspect.

“A man has died and another man and a woman have suffered serious injuries. Five others have also been injured,” the West Midlands police said.

Police told Sky News that the incidents took place between 12.30 and 2.20am in an area known for its nightlife, in between the ‘Chinese Quarter’ and ‘Gay Village’. Hurst Street has since been cordoned off with the police conducting a detailed search including into the drains, as well as analysing CCTV footage.

According to the BBC, the attacks began in Constitution Hill with the suspect then moving southwards and attacking more people. The BBC had earlier reported a local witness as saying she saw multiple people having fistfights. The victims appear to have been chosen at random, with no indication that it was gang or terror-related, Chief Superintendent Steve Graham was reported saying.

In a statement, Chief Superintendent Steve Graham, who is responsible for policing in Birmingham, said “The events during the early hours of this morning are tragic, shocking and understandably frightening.” He added, “we’d ask anyone who’s in the city to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to us.”

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab also said there was no indication that the attack was terror-related.

The UK reopened pubs in July following easing of lockdown and social distancing restrictions. After a recent surge in cases in the city, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said a local lockdown was not imminent. 56 tested positive after an outbreak at an asylum centre in the city. 

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