Fourth man arrested after teenager, 16, fatally stabbed in Wolverhampton

Police have arrested a fourth man after a 16-year-old boy was found with fatal stab wounds in Wolverhampton yesterday afternoon.

The alleged incident happened in Warnford Walk, Merry Hill at just after 4.30pm on Monday, September 18.

A 23-year-old man was arrested at around lunchtime on Tuesday, September 19 on suspicion of murder.

Two other men, both aged 22, remain in police custody this afternoon (Tuesday, September 19) on suspicion of murder.

A fourth man, aged 39, is also being held on suspicion of assisting an offender.

A statement on West Midlands Police website: "The boy's family are being supported by our officers and are being updated as this fast-moving investigation continues.

"We also understand how upsetting this incident is for people in the area and across our city as a whole.

"Local officers have stepped up patrols, so please do stop and talk to them if you need reassurance or want some advice.

"Teams across Wolverhampton Police are working every day to protect the public and young people from violence, in particular knife crime, with regular patrols crime hotspots.

"We have a number of dedicated teams who, along with our partners, are focused on keeping our youngsters safe.

"Each school in the city has a named police officer who works with teachers and parents to prevent problems.

"And since April this year we've had CIRV, the community initiative to reduce violence, and prevent knife crime in Wolverhampton.  

"It's a joint team of mentors and family support workers who are working with partners to identify young people involved in, or most at risk of becoming involved in, group and gang related violence.

"We then support them and offer better opportunities and a more positive lifestyle.

"Other specialist teams at Wolverhampton, including offender managers and the violence reduction unit, as well as our partnership teams and schools and early years officers, are all committed to protecting our young people.

"Our officers also work closely with Wolverhampton Council and the local health authority around safeguarding vulnerable youngsters.

"The investigation into yesterday's devastating incident continues and we'd ask anyone who does have information to get in contact."

Anyone with information should contact police via 101, or on Live Chat on their website, quoting log 3421 of 18 September.

Or to remain anonymous speak to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.