Woman Stabbed in Birmingham Bus Shelter Attack Succumbs to Injuries
A woman stabbed repeatedly in the neck during a random assault at a bus stop in Birmingham has passed away, police have confirmed.
The victim, aged 34 years, came under attack on Smallbrook Queensway street, just outside the Bullring shopping centre, shortly before 21:00 GMT on Friday, according to police statements.
Djeison Rafael, 21, appeared before Birmingham court Monday morning, charged over the violent incident.
He was previously accused with attempted murder but following the woman's death charges were upgraded to include murder.
Police Response
Authorities stated officers would be in the downtown area on Monday providing public assurance, and investigators were supporting the woman's family.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses who may have seen Mr Rafael, who is described as British citizen of Black ethnicity, reportedly dressed in grey athletic wear, dark headwear, trainers and rucksack.
Attack Site Details
The knife attack occurred near Bullring retail complex, opposite primary access point of New Street railway station.
Law enforcement confirmed they were treating it as "unprovoked attack" with investigators stating efforts continue to determine why it happened.
Eyewitness Reports
An area worker, who works nearby, described the emergency response after completing her shift at about 22:00 Friday night.
She described the scene as "quite chaotic", adding that co-workers reported hearing loud disturbances around 9 PM.
"A lot of co-workers use transit services, take the tram... our security is compromised essentially, here in the city centre."
Another individual, 25, resident of Stoke, said he came to Birmingham quite frequently visiting his partner resident there, and was concerned regarding the incident.
"It makes me worried about my partner," he stated.
"She doesn't drive and works at major concert locations... and to think a totally random act occurred, understandably, it's terrible."
