Female Victim Knifed in Birmingham City Bus Shelter Assault Succumbs to Injuries
The female victim who was stabbed in the neck during a random assault near a bus shelter within Birmingham has died, police have confirmed.
The victim, aged 34 years, came under attack on Smallbrook Queensway street, right beside Bullring shopping complex, just prior to 21:00 GMT Friday evening, according to police statements.
The suspect, 21, appeared before Birmingham court Monday morning, charged over the attack.
He was previously accused with attempted murder but following the woman's death the charge has been updated to murder.
Police Response
Authorities stated police personnel will remain in the downtown area on Monday to offer reassurance, while detectives assisted the victim's relatives.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses who might have observed Mr Rafael, identified as British citizen of Black ethnicity, reportedly dressed in grey athletic wear, black hat, athletic shoes with a backpack.
Incident Location
The knife attack occurred near Bullring retail complex, opposite primary access point of New Street railway station.
Law enforcement confirmed they classified it as "unprovoked attack" and Det Insp James Nix said efforts continue to determine the motive behind.
Witness Accounts
An area worker, employed in the vicinity, recounted the emergency response when she finished her shift around 10 PM on Friday.
She characterized the location as extremely disorderly, and said some of her colleagues heard loud disturbances around 9 PM.
"Many co-workers take public transport, ride the tramline... our security is compromised essentially, in the downtown area."
Another individual, 25, from Stoke-on-Trent, said he came to Birmingham quite frequently visiting his partner resident there, and was concerned regarding the incident.
"It makes me worried for my girlfriend," he said.
"She doesn't drive and works at all of the big music venues... considering something completely unprovoked [happened], you know, it's horrible."
