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One man died and two other people were seriously injured in a “random” series of stabbings in Birmingham city center.
Five others were also injured in what West Midlands Police have described as “major incident“overnight – and a murder investigation has been launched.
An unknown suspect is being sought, but no arrests have been made, a police spokesman said at a news conference Sunday, adding that the public must remain “vigilant.”
There is no indication of terrorism, gang involvement or that the stabbings were a hate crime, and police described it as a “random attack for no clear motive.”
A forensic shop on Irving Street in Birmingham, one of many erected after a series of overnight knife attacks
Officers and ambulance personnel were called in to receive reports of a stabbing in the city center at 12:30 am Sunday, and “several other stabbings were reported in the area shortly thereafter.”
Eyewitnesses reported that up to eight people were injured during what police have since described as a “linked series” of incidents.
Police confirmed early Sunday morning that a “major incident” had been declared, but work was still underway to determine how many people had been injured.
The force later said before the 11 am press conference: “We can now confirm that we have launched a murder investigation after the events of last night.
“A man has died and another man and a woman have suffered serious injuries. Five others have also been injured.”
Armed police patrol after the incidents
Emergency services personnel, including the armed police, have remained at the scene throughout the morning, and forensic tents have been erected on several streets and roads have been closed.
A small blue forensic tent was spotted on Barwick Street and two other tents were set up on Irving Street near the gates of an elementary school.
Several yellow police evidence markers could also be seen on the ground, some near broken glass.
Police have urged people to remain calm and stay away from the area, warning that the response will continue “for some time.”
Several police vehicles attend the scene
Sky reporter Lape Banjo-Olarinoye said the injured are being treated at local hospitals.
He said the stabbings “are said to have taken place in the Snow Hill areas and a mile away on Hurst Street in the Arcadian area, an area popular for its nightlife and social activities.”
Arcadian is a hub for restaurants, bars, cafes, clubs and hotels, located about a five-minute walk from Birmingham New Street Station, close to the Chinatown and Gay Quarter areas of the city.
Most of Hurst Street, which runs through Arcadian, was bricked up Sunday morning, in an area that had already been closed to traffic to aid social distancing.
Hurst Street in Birmingham
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that anyone close to the area must be “very vigilant.”
Speaking to Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Raab said: “My thoughts are with the victims and their families, obviously there is a police investigation underway.
“I can’t say much more at the moment but people should be very vigilant if they are in that area.”
