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Armed officers patrol the streets of Birmingham in the wake of a series of “random” knife attacks that left one man dead and seven wounded.
The “truly terrible” early attacks “have left the city, the region and the country in shock,” said West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson.
A search is currently underway to find the only man who killed a man and left two seriously injured.
Five others suffered “relatively minor injuries” during the riot, which began on Constitution Hill and ended on Hurst Street.
(Image: PA)
Jamieson offered his condolences to the victims and their families before praising the response of the emergency service to the four incidents, which took place between 12.30am and 2.30am on Sunday, September 6.
He said: “My first thoughts are with the victims and their families at this time.
“I have all faith in the West Midlands Police, who are working extremely fast on this investigation.
“I also thank the ambulance and hospital staff, who work around the clock to help the injured.”
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As detectives follow various leads, including reviewing extensive CCTV footage, in an attempt to find the suspect, the force has increased the uniformed and armed response in the city.
There is a high police presence in various places in the city, including Livery Street, Irving Street, and Hurst Street.
Mr Jamieson continued: “I am confident that the police will crack down and review this with Birmingham City Council, as well as to determine if further action is needed in the city center.”
“We are well used to the activity on Saturday nights, but I think what is different is the randomness of this particular event and also a number of other events that were also happening, the amount of violence that was happening is very, very disturbing. “
Anyone who witnessed any of the incidents, or anyone who has any CCTV footage or mobile phone, is urged to contact the police as soon as possible.
Information can be transmitted using this dedicated website or by calling 101.
However, he said the increase in violence was “almost inevitable” due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’ve been saying for a while, in the context of Covid-19, that a lot of the pent-up feelings that people have about not being able to go out, they combine with people who are not sure about their future and about their jobs, it was almost inevitable that we would see an increase in violence.
“I am not saying that this is directly related to that, but nevertheless we are seeing an increase in violence among young people, particularly younger men, throughout the region.
“My fear is that if we don’t address some of the underlying issues with some urgency, we could see that increase.
“Regardless, Birmingham is a good place, it is a good place to be, a safe city and it is unfortunate that this terrible incident happened last night, but I am sure that will not deter people from coming to the center of the city either. city. to work or shop “.
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