Woman Knifed in Birmingham City Bus Stop Attack Dies
A woman stabbed repeatedly in the neck during a random assault at a bus stop in Birmingham has died, police have confirmed.
The victim, aged 34 years, came under attack in Smallbrook Queensway, just outside Bullring shopping complex, just prior to 21:00 GMT Friday evening, according to police statements.
Djeison Rafael, 21, appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court Monday morning, charged over the attack.
He was previously accused with attempted murder but following the woman's death charges were upgraded to include murder.
Police Response
Authorities stated police personnel will remain in the downtown area through Monday providing public assurance, and investigators were supporting the woman's family.
Detectives are appealing any eyewitnesses who might have observed the accused, who is described as British citizen of Black ethnicity, reportedly dressed in grey athletic wear, black hat, athletic shoes with a backpack.
Incident Location
The stabbing happened near Bullring retail complex, opposite primary access point to Birmingham New Street station.
Police said they classified it as "unprovoked attack" and Det Insp James Nix said they were working to understand why it happened.
Eyewitness Reports
An area worker, employed in the vicinity, described paramedic and police activity when she finished her shift around 10 PM Friday night.
She characterized the location as "quite chaotic", adding that co-workers reported hearing loud disturbances around 9 PM.
"Many my colleagues take public transport, ride the tramline... our security is compromised essentially, here in the city centre."
Ashley Birks, twenty-five, resident of Stoke, mentioned visiting to Birmingham quite frequently visiting his partner who lives in the city, and was concerned about what had happened.
"It causes concern about my partner," he said.
"She doesn't drive employed at major concert locations... considering a totally random act [happened], you know, it's terrible."
