Birmingham stabbings: Police release footage of man wanted on suspicion of murder

No suggestion stabbings were terror or gang-related, say police

Police have released footage of a man wanted on suspicion of murder after one person was killed and seven others injured in a series of stabbings in Birmingham.

West Midlands Police launched a murder investigation on Sunday following the attacks, which took place between 12.30am and 2.20am.

A 23-year-old man suffered fatal injuries, police said, while a man and a woman, aged 19 and 32, suffered critical injuries in other parts of the city.

Five other people, aged between 23 and 33, were also injured. They were treated in hospital; two were discharged on Sunday evening.

Savvas Sfrantzis, who owns Mykonos bar and grill in Hurst Street, said he witnessed a woman being repeatedly stabbed after he was alerted by her screams.

He said:  “I looked at him, facing him, and I can see he had a blade, small, not very big, and he was stabbing her in the neck.”

He described how the attacker was  “so cold”, walking calmly away and  “smirking”, while other bar staff tried to follow him.

Four scenes have been held throughout Sunday and forensic experts have examined each area, police added.

Chief superintendent Steve Graham, said: “We do not underestimate the impact that these incidents have had on the city of Birmingham today. We declared this a major incident at the earliest opportunity and we have drafted in scores of officers to help with the investigation and patrol the city to reassure residents and visitors that we are doing all we can to apprehend the person responsible.

“We have worked throughout the day to trawl CCTV footage and speak to witnesses to ensure we release the best possible video and image of the man we want to speak to.

“At this stage we believe that the attacks were random and we have no indication of a motive. I would urge people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to us.

“We are appealing for anyone who recognises the man in the footage to contact us urgently. We have a hotline number and a dedicated web page where you can submit information, photos and videos. If you see him, please do not approach him, but dial 999 immediately.”

The force tweeted: "UPDATE | We've had a strong response following our appeal to trace the BirminghamStabbings suspect. Our detectives are following up several new lines of enquiry. This man is wanted on suspicion of murder. Recognise him?"

Police said there was no suggestion the stabbings were terror-related, motivated by hate or were gang-related.

David Jamieson, the police and crime commissioner for the West Midlands, said the stabbings followed a surge in violent crime across the region over the past weeks and months.

He warned that a rise in violence was “almost inevitable” because of the coronavirus lockdown.

“I have been saying for some time, in the context of Covid-19, that a lot of the pent-up feelings people have, and not being able to get out, and combine that with people who are now unsure about their future and about their jobs, it was almost inevitable that we would see a growth in violence,” Mr Jamieson said on Sunday.

"I'm not saying that this is directly related to that, but nevertheless we are seeing now a growth of violence among younger people, particularly younger males, we're seeing that growing across the region.

"My fear is that if we don't address that and some of the underlying problems with some urgency then we could see that grow.

"But, notwithstanding that, Birmingham is a good place, it's a good place to be, it's a safe city and it is regrettable that this awful incident happened last night."