The tragic victim of horrific Small Heath stabbing named

A teenager who was fatally stabbed in the Small Heath area of Birmingham has been named as Yahya Sharif as police continue efforts to hunt the killer.

The 18-year-old, from Nechells, was knifed in Coventry Road around 5.30pm on Friday (10 December).

As the people of Small Heath come to terms with the shocking murder of a bright young teenager police have released more details about the tragic incident.

Police praised local people who tried to assist Yahya Sharif, from Nechells, after the horrific stabbing. Sadly, the young man was confirmed dead at the scene by paramedics.

A post mortem later revealed Sharif died from a stab wound to his chest.

A statement released on behalf of his family said: “We cannot believe that Yahya has disappeared from our eyes.

“We still don’t know the reason he was killed. A young, energetic 18-year-old his dream was to be a digital marketing specialist.

“The whole community are shocked. May God be with the family he left behind, especially his parents.”

A cordon remained in place along Coventry Road following the fatal attack as forensics teams and detectives carried out extensive enquiries to try and establish what happened, who was involved and why.

Officers are also gathering CCTV and other evidence to piece together what happened and identify and trace Sharif’s killer.

Detective Inspector Hannah Whitehouse, from the Homicide Unit, said: “Yahya was just 18 and with his life ahead of him. This has now been taken away in the most tragic of circumstances.

“There is no clear motive for the attack and we’re working round the clock to identify and trace who was responsible.

“We’ve spoken to a number of witnesses but we still need to hear from anyone with information who can help us.

“I’d appeal for those who were there at the time to do the right thing, come and speak to us and tell us exactly what happened and why. It’s the least Yahya’s family deserve.”