Murder investigation begins after boy, 15, stabbed in West Bromwich
Police have begun a murder investigation after a 15-year old boy died after a stabbing in West Bromwich.
Officers were called to New Square off New Street in the town centre, just after 9.15pm on the 7th April.
Paramedics were also at the scene, but were unable to save the boy. A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson said:
"We were called to reports of a stabbing at New Square at 9.13pm. Two ambulances, two paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor with a critical care paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance critical care car attended the scene."On arrival we discovered one patient, a teenage male, who was in a critical condition.
"Ambulance staff immediately began administering advanced life support but sadly, it became apparent nothing could be done to save the patient and he was confirmed dead at the scene."
Police say the boy's family have been informed, and detectives are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.
DCI Laura Harrison, from the force's homicide team said:
"It is a tragedy that yet another young life has been lost as a result knife crime. Our immediate thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends.
“We’re at the early stages of our enquiries but we have detectives working hard to identify those responsible and bring them into custody as soon as possible.
"There are several lines of enquiry that we will be following, but we also need people to come forward with information.
“We'll be increasing patrols and offering reassurance to the community over the coming days.”
People on social media posted that New Square has been "all taped off outside Tesco and Next".A forensic tent was spotted outside the former Harvester, which closed last year.
The New Square shopping centre has announced that the site is currently "fully closed". An update on its Facebook page said:
“An incident took place last night at New Square. Due to this, the shopping centre is currently fully closed."We are now assisting West Midlands Police in their investigations and will give further updates, once we are able, regarding the reopening of the centre. Thank you to all our customers for their patience and cooperation.”Travel services have also been disrupted while investigations continue.
National Express West Midlands told passengers several services were diverted this morning due to an "ongoing incident" in West Bromwich.Services 4, 4M, 5 and 40 have been diverted in both directions along Congregation Way, Reform Street, Bull Street, West Bromwich Ringway and St Michael Street.