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The loved ones of a Crosby musician in critical condition after being stabbed in Birmingham have described the tragedy as “the worst nightmare of any family.”
Michael Callaghan was one of eight people injured in a series of knife attacks early Sunday morning.
Close friend Jacob Billington, also of Crosby, has since died of injuries sustained in the same incident.
Michael underwent surgery and remains in the hospital, where his family and girlfriend are with him.
His family said today that Michael’s survival was only possible thanks to the efforts of friends who cared for him until the arrival of paramedics.
Peter Harvey, the 23-year-old’s uncle, praised those who fought to save him and Jacob.
He said: “This horrible attack is the worst nightmare of any family: the case of a group of friends who have the misfortune to run into the wrong person at the wrong time, a disgusting tragedy that none of them could have foreseen or prevented.
“The rise in knife crime is a scourge that destroys lives, often the lives of innocent youth. This was a random, sudden and seemingly motiveless attack by a stranger.
“In Michael’s case, his friends quickly stopped the loss of blood from a neck injury, before the arrival of emergency services. The actions of his friends, paramedics, and hospital staff saved Michael’s life.
“The friends showed admirable courage in trying to resurrect Jacob, sadly without success. Jacob was popular, funny and caring, a young man with a strong sense of kindness, decency and social justice. ”
(Image: PA)
Michael and Jacob, who was also 23, had been friends during their school days at Great Crosby Elementary School and Sacred Heart Catholic College.
They then attended college together in Sheffield and formed a band, The Vedetts, with other friends, performing as recently as the weekend before. Michael is the lead singer and guitarist of the group, and Jacob was the drummer.
Jacob had been working at Sheffield Hallam University, while Michael, an engineering graduate, had recently started working at the NHS in Merseyside.
The couple were part of a group of six Crosby friends who were enjoying an evening in Birmingham, where one of them is studying.
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They were walking down Irving Street in downtown around 1.50am when they were attacked near their hotel.
Friends were two of eight victims stabbed during a terrifying 90-minute period.
A 30-year-old man stabbed on Livery Street and a 22-year-old woman, attacked on Hurst Street, remain seriously injured in hospital.
Four others, three men and a woman, were also injured.
A 27-year-old man from the Selly Oak area of the city was arrested by West Midlands police on Monday morning.
He is being questioned on suspicion of murder and seven counts of attempted murder.
If you have been affected by any of the details mentioned in this story, there are people who can help you.
Most people grieve when they lose something or someone important to them.
How grief affects you depends on many things, including the type of loss you’ve suffered, your education, your beliefs or religion, your age, your relationships, and your physical and mental health.
Grief is a totally normal process, but there are ways to get help if you need it.
Your GP is a good place to start. They can give you advice on other support services, refer you to a counselor, or prescribe medicine if needed.
Or you can contact support organizations directly, such as Cruse Bereavement Care (0808 808 1677) Samaritans (116 123) or Love Jasmine.
Three other people, two men and a woman, were arrested at the same address on suspicion of helping a criminal.
Tonight, Jacob’s family released a moving tribute, describing him as “the light of our life.”
In a statement issued on her behalf, the family added: “She was a fun, loving and wonderful person who was loved by everyone she met.
“He lit up every room with his boundless energy and witty humor and the loss of such a special person will be felt by all who knew him for years to come.”
As the investigation continues, Birmingham Police Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Graham said: “Officers worked through yesterday and into the early hours of this morning in an attempt to locate the man we believe responsible for these terrible crimes. .
“We posted CCTV footage of the suspect and had a strong response from the public. I would like to thank everyone who shared our appeal and provided input to the investigation.
“A line of investigation finally led us to an address in the Selly Oak area this morning where a man was arrested.
“Clearly, this is a crucial advance, but our investigation continues. We have yet to speak to witnesses who saw what happened and who have not yet spoken to us, or anyone who may have video footage or photos of the incidents or the attacker.
“We have a hotline number and a dedicated website where you can submit information, photos and videos.”
* Anyone with information about the incident should call that hotline at 0800 056 0944
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