Woman Stabbed in Birmingham City Bus Stop Assault Dies
The female victim stabbed repeatedly to her neck area in an unprovoked attack near a bus shelter in Birmingham has passed away, police have confirmed.
The victim, aged 34 years, came under attack on Smallbrook Queensway street, right beside the Bullring shopping centre, shortly before 9 PM GMT Friday evening, according to police statements.
Djeison Rafael, 21, was presented at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday, facing charges for the attack.
He was previously accused of attempted murder but following the victim's passing charges were upgraded to include murder.
Police Response
The force said police personnel will remain around the city centre on Monday providing public assurance, while detectives assisted the victim's relatives.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses who might have observed the accused, identified as a Black British national, and is believed to have been wearing grey athletic wear, dark headwear, athletic shoes and rucksack.
Incident Location
The knife attack occurred near Bullring retail complex, opposite the main entrance of New Street railway station.
Police said they classified it as a random violent act with investigators stating they were working to understand the motive behind.
Eyewitness Reports
An area worker, who works nearby, described the emergency response when she finished her work period around 10 PM Friday night.
She characterized the location as extremely disorderly, adding that co-workers reported hearing a commotion at about 21:00.
"A lot of my colleagues take public transport, take the tram... our safety is at risk fundamentally, here in the city centre."
Ashley Birks, 25, resident of Stoke, mentioned visiting the city quite frequently visiting his partner resident there, expressing concern about what had happened.
"It makes me worried for my girlfriend," he stated.
"She lacks transportation employed at major concert locations... and to think a totally random act [happened], you know, it's horrible."