Sutton Coldfield stabbing: Man charged with attempted murder in connection with attack on pregnant woman

Unamed woman in a stable condition in hospital

(Hibah Mirza/Twitter)

A man has been charged with two counts of attempted murder by detectives investigating the stabbing of a pregnant woman near Birmingham.

West Midlands Police say they have charged 41-year-old Babur Karamat Raja in connection with the incident in Sutton Coldfield town centre on Friday.

He is also facing charges of assault, attempted child destruction and possession of a knife in a public place.

He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Police were called to the scene following reports that a 40-year-old was stabbed multiple times after 3:15pm.

Two passersby - both men - sustained minor hand injuries after they intervened to help her.

The woman is said to be in a stable condition in hospital and has given birth to baby girl who is doing well.

West Midlands Police released a statement on behalf of the victim's family which said: "We’d all like to express our heartfelt thanks to everybody who helped her on Friday afternoon.

"Your fearlessness and selfless actions saved both their lives and we are overwhelming grateful to you all.

Emergency services on the scene in the West Midlands town (Creative Commons)

"We have no further comment to make and we’d ask you to respect our privacy at this difficult time."

Following the incident, Chief Inspector Julian Harper praised the two men who intervened for "bravely [stepping] into what was a dangrous and volatile situation with complete disregard for their own safety".

Officers continue to appeal for witnesses with any information to contact Detective Inspector Ian Ingram on 101.