Female Victim Stabbed in Birmingham Bus Stop Attack Dies
A woman stabbed repeatedly in the neck during a random assault at a bus stop in Birmingham has died, police have confirmed.
The victim, who was 34, was targeted in Smallbrook Queensway, just outside Bullring shopping complex, shortly before 21:00 GMT Friday evening, according to police statements.
The suspect, twenty-one, appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday, facing charges for the attack.
Originally charged of attempted murder however after the victim's passing the charge has been updated to murder.
Police Response
Authorities stated officers would be around the city centre through Monday providing public assurance, while detectives assisted the woman's family.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses who might have observed Mr Rafael, who is described as British citizen of Black ethnicity, reportedly dressed in an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, athletic shoes with a backpack.
Incident Location
The stabbing happened outside Bullring retail complex, opposite the main entrance to Birmingham New Street station.
Police said they classified it as "unprovoked attack" with investigators stating efforts continue to determine why it happened.
Witness Accounts
An area worker, employed in the vicinity, described paramedic and police activity after completing her shift at about 22:00 on Friday.
She characterized the location as "quite chaotic", and said co-workers reported hearing loud disturbances at about 21:00.
"A lot of my colleagues take public transport, take the tram... our security is compromised essentially, in the downtown area."
Ashley Birks, twenty-five, from Stoke-on-Trent, mentioned visiting to Birmingham quite frequently to see his girlfriend who lives in the city, and was concerned regarding the incident.
"It makes me worried for my girlfriend," he stated.
"She lacks transportation employed at major concert locations... and to think something completely unprovoked [happened], understandably, it's horrible."
