A series of random stabbings in Birmingham has underscored the growing crime wave in the UK in the wake of a nationwide lockdown prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Officers and ambulance crews were called to reports of a stabbing in the city centre at 12:30am on Sunday (September 06), following which more stabbings were reported in neighboring areas.
The attacks were sufficiently serious for the authorities to declare a “major incident” in Birmingham.
According to West Midlands Police, the first attack took place in Constitution Hill, to the north of the city centre, before further attacks occurred in Livery Street, Irving Street and Hurst Street as the lone suspect made his way south towards the Arcadian area.
Altogether one person (believed to be a man) has been killed while seven others have been wounded, three critically.
Chief Superintendent Steve Graham of West Midlands Police told a news conference on Sunday his officers are hunting one “unknown male suspect” but that no arrests have been made so far.
Underlining the climate of insecurity in Birmingham, Graham urged the public to remain "alert".
Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has waded into the incident by thanking emergency services "who are working hard at the scene".
The PM tweeted: "All my thoughts are with those affected by the terrible incident in Birmingham last night".
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) September 6, 2020 ">http://
All my thoughts are with those affected by the terrible incident in Birmingham last night.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) September 6, 2020
My thanks to the emergency services who are working hard at the scene. Anyone with information should contact @WMPolice
To add to the confusion and feeling of insecurity, Graham of West Midlands Police described the stabbing incidents as a “random attack with no clear motive”.
According to Graham, the stabbing incidents are neither terrorism-related nor gang related, nor connected to post-lockdown disorder.
Furthermore, no links have been found between the victims.