Teen arrested after boy, 12, dies in stabbing

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder, following the death of a 12-year-old boy who was stabbed in Birmingham on Tuesday.

A member of the victim's family described him as "the most beautiful kind child", and "the nicest kid you would meet".

The boy was found with serious injuries near Scribers Lane in Hall Green shortly after 15:00 GMT.

He was taken to hospital but died as a result of his injuries.

The family member added that the boy was "funny, sweet and had not one aggressive bone in his body", and had been walking a 10-minute route home when it happened.

Scribers Lane is a long and busy road, surrounded by houses, shops and local schools, in the suburb of Hall Green.

The attack is believed to have taken place near the railway bridge, which is next to Trittiford Mill Park.

A woman, who did not want to be named, told the BBC that the park was "plagued" with anti-social behaviour, and she often saw groups of young people gathering there being "aggressive and threatening".

West Midlands Police is appealing for information, as well as photo and video evidence.

The force said the boy's family were being supported by specialist officers.

Det Insp Joe Davenport said: "If you were in the area at the time and saw what happened, or think you may have captured any part of what happened on dashcam or mobile phone, it's vital you get in touch."

The latest knife crime figures, released in July 2024, show the West Midlands Police area has the highest rate of offences in England and Wales.

There have been several high-profile incidents in the region involving teenagers.

In June 2024, two 12-year-old boys were found guilty of murdering Shawn Seesahai with a machete in Wolverhampton.

In November, a 15-year-old boy was charged with murder after a 17-year-old boy was stabbed in Marston Green.

A 15-year-old boy was charged with attempted murder on 5 January, following the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Oldbury.

In October, the West Midlands' police and crime commissioner (PCC) said a new knife crime task force led by the home secretary would help to "keep our communities safe".

PCC Simon Foster said: "We are not complacent and never will be."

According to the Office for National Statistics, in the year ending March 2023, 82% of teenage homicide victims were killed by a knife or sharp instrument compared to 41% of all homicide victims.

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