Murder investigation launched after brutal knife attack outside Smethwick shopping centre

Police have launched a murder investigation after a 20-year-old man was fatally stabbed in a disturbing incident in Smethwick earlier today (26 April).

Police officers were called after the young man was found with brutal knife injuries at West Cross Shopping Centre in Smethwick at around 4.40pm.

The victim suffered a vicious knife wound inflicted by a hooded individual in a car park outside the shopping centre in broad daylight.

An air ambulance was called but tragically the victim was pronounced dead before he could be taken on board.

Detectives from the Homicide Unit have sealed off the bloodstained location where the stabbing took place and detectives are carrying out enquiries in a bid to understand what happened and who is responsible.

The savage attack was captured by a mobile and police have appealed for witnesses to come forward as a murder investigation is launched.

Detective Inspector Laura Harrison from CID, said:

“Our thoughts go out to the family of the young man who has lost his life and we’re working to establish the circumstances around his death.

“I am aware of mobile footage circulating on social media and would urge people to please not share this and instead to get in touch with my team.

“This can be extremely distressing for family and friends.

“However if you do have any information, mobile phone footage or dash-cam footage , we’d urge you to get in touch with us as soon as possible as this could assist us as our investigations continue.”

Anyone who has any information relating to this incident please contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Please quote log number 2681 26/4.