Schoolgirl, 16, stabbed to death on morning bus ride
A SCHOOLGIRL was stabbed to death on a crowded double-decker bus during the morning rush hour today.
The 16-year-old was killed at around 7.30am as commuters made their way to
work in Birmingham.
Detectives have launched a murder probe following the brutal stabbing as officers broke the news to victim’s family, who has yet to be formally identified.
The attack happened on the number 9 First West Midlands bus as it pulled into
a stop in Edgbaston before the killer fled the scene.
Police have now launched a manhunt for a black male in his late teens or early
20s. A suspect who was detained earlier has now been released.
Cordon ... traffic was backed up into the city centre as police closed off the busy Hagley Road
The suspect is believed to been clad in dark-coloured trousers and a dark
hoodie with a distinctive tiger or leopard motif on the back.
Witnessed said he may have been carrying a small white bag or have had a
bandage around his right hand.
Traffic backed up into the city centre as police closed off the busy Hagley
Road, one of the main roads leading west out of the city.
It is unclear where the girl was sitting when she was attacked on the
double-decker.
Detective Superintendent Richard Baker said: “As you can appreciate the family
are extremely distressed and distraught by the news of today’s events.
Girl is stabbed to death on bus in Birmingham
POLICE launch murder inquiry after teenager killed in attack on number nine service in city centre
Rush hour ... the vehicle was heading out of the city when the stabbing happened
Newsteam / SWNS
“In relation to the offender, we are currently actively undergoing a manhunt
operation in Birmingham.
“We are utilising every specialist officer, local policing officers and
investigators in order to identify, locate and arrest the offender who is
currently outstanding.”
He said police were investigating the possibility the murder was a random
attack, adding: “We’re looking at a number of motives at the moment.”
West Midlands Police said the investigation was “at its very early stages”.
A police spokesman added: “At 7.37am today police received a call from a
member of the public reporting that a passenger had been attacked.
“Officers and other emergency services were immediately dispatched but it was
clear that nothing could be done to save the victim.
Hunt ... the suspect was 'clad in dark-coloured trousers and a dark hoodie'.
Crime scene ... a forensics officer aboard the number 9 bus
SWNS
“West Midlands Police have identified the victim’s family and are in the
process of breaking the sad news.”
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “A senior paramedic officer
in a rapid response vehicle, two Basics (British Association for Immediate
Care) emergency medics and two ambulance crews attended.
“One person was confirmed dead at the scene.”
National Express West Midlands said the vehicle was heading out of the city
when the stabbing happened.
Probe ... detectives have launched a murder investigation
Newsteam / SWNS
A spokesman said: “We can confirm that a tragic incident occurred on a number
9 service this morning.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the friends and family of the person
involved and we will offer all possible support to the police in their
investigation of this matter.”
The city centre attack comes just a few months after two big issue sellers
were stabbed to death in broad daylight in the middle of the city centre.
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