🔗 Share this article

The female victim who was stabbed to her neck area during a random assault at a bus stop in Birmingham has passed away, police have confirmed.

The deceased woman, who was 34, was targeted on Smallbrook Queensway street, right beside the Bullring shopping centre, just prior to 21:00 GMT Friday evening, West Midlands Police said.

The suspect, twenty-one, was presented at Birmingham court on Monday, charged over the violent incident.

He was previously accused of attempted murder but following the woman's death charges were upgraded to murder.

Police Response

Authorities stated police personnel will remain around the city centre through Monday to offer reassurance, and investigators were supporting the woman's family.

Detectives are appealing any eyewitnesses who may have seen Mr Rafael, identified as British citizen of Black ethnicity, reportedly dressed in an all-grey tracksuit, dark headwear, athletic shoes and rucksack.

Attack Site Details

The knife attack occurred near the Bullring shopping centre, across from the main entrance of New Street railway station.

Law enforcement confirmed they classified it as a random violent act and Det Insp James Nix said efforts continue to determine the motive behind.

Eyewitness Reports

Shalini Doal, employed in the vicinity, recounted paramedic and police activity when she finished her work period at about 22:00 Friday night.

She characterized the location as extremely disorderly, adding that co-workers reported hearing a commotion at about 21:00.

"Many my colleagues take public transport, ride the tramline... our safety is at risk fundamentally, here in the city centre."

Another individual, twenty-five, from Stoke-on-Trent, said he came the city quite frequently to see his girlfriend resident there, and was concerned regarding the incident.

"It makes me worried about my partner," he said.

"She lacks transportation and works at all of the big music venues... considering a totally random act [happened], understandably, it's terrible."