Female Victim Knifed in Birmingham Bus Stop Attack Succumbs to Injuries
The female victim stabbed repeatedly to her neck area during a random assault near a bus shelter in Birmingham has died, police have confirmed.
The deceased woman, aged 34 years, came under attack in Smallbrook Queensway, just outside the Bullring shopping centre, just prior to 21:00 GMT on Friday, according to police statements.
Djeison Rafael, twenty-one, was presented at Birmingham court on Monday, charged over the attack.
He was previously accused with attempted murder but following the woman's death the charge has been updated to murder.
Law Enforcement Actions
Authorities stated officers would be around the city centre through Monday providing public assurance, and investigators were supporting the woman's family.
Investigators are requesting for witnesses who may have seen Mr Rafael, who is described as British citizen of Black ethnicity, and is believed to have been wearing an all-grey tracksuit, dark headwear, trainers and rucksack.
Attack Site Details
The knife attack occurred near Bullring retail complex, across from primary access point to Birmingham New Street station.
Law enforcement confirmed they were treating it as a random violent act with investigators stating they were working to understand why it happened.
Witness Accounts
Shalini Doal, employed in the vicinity, described paramedic and police activity after completing her work period at about 22:00 Friday night.
She characterized the location as extremely disorderly, and said co-workers reported hearing a commotion around 9 PM.
"Many co-workers take public transport, take the tram... our safety is at risk fundamentally, here in the city centre."
Ashley Birks, twenty-five, resident of Stoke, mentioned visiting to Birmingham fairly regularly 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 doesn't drive and works at all of the big music venues... considering something completely unprovoked occurred, you know, it's horrible."