From West Midlands Police:

We’ve started a murder investigation after a teenager who was stabbed in Birmingham city centre has tragically died.

We were called to Victoria Square after a 17-year-old boy was found seriously injured at just before 3.30pm yesterday (20 January).

He was rushed to hospital but sadly later died. Our thoughts are with his loved ones and we’ll be offering them all the support we can at this devastating time.

We’re in the process of reviewing CCTV and carrying out other enquiries to help us establish who was responsible.

Following initial investigations the cordon has been lifted but we’ll continue to have a highly visible police presence in the area.

Chief Inspector James Spencer, from Birmingham Local Policing Area, said: “The life of a 17-year-old boy has tragically been taken away and all our thoughts are with his family and friends at this awful time.

“It’s very early stages in the investigation but we have a team of skilled detectives who are working to identify, and arrest, whoever did this.

“We fully understand the shock and concern this will cause, and although it is being treated as an isolated incident a visible police presence will remain across the city centre.” 

We’re keen to hear from anyone who may have information which can assist our enquiries.

If you were walking through the area at the time, or a visitor who may have been taking pictures by The River statue near the Council House, we would like to hear from you as you may have vital information or evidence.

We would ask anybody who can help our investigation to contact us Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101, and quote log 2619 of 20/1/24.

We have also activated our Major Incident Public Portal, where you can submit any photos or video you may have of the incident.

Find it here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/20HQ23N34-PO1