Baby born and 'doing well' after mother stabbed repeatedly in domestic incident

Updated

The baby of a pregnant woman stabbed multiple times in the street has been delivered safely but the woman is fighting for her life in hospital.

Police said the baby is "doing well" but the child's 40-year-old mother remains in a critical condition after the attack in Sutton Coldfield on Friday afternoon.

A 41-year-old man was immediately detained in connection with the attack in the busy town centre and remains in custody, West Midlands Police said.

The woman was taken away from the scene by air ambulance at around 4pm.

In a statement on Friday evening, police said: "The baby has been born in hospital and is doing well. The 40-year-old victim remains in a critical condition."

Earlier Chief Inspector Julian Harper told reporters: "They (the man and woman) are believed known to each other so this was what we call a domestic-related situation.

"As such no other members of the public should be alarmed and should be reassured that we have what we believe is the only person involved in this incident."

He said the investigation could become a murder probe if the mother does not pull through, but added: "Obviously our wishes are with her and we hope that she will recover."

Two members of the public - both men - suffered minor injuries after intervening and are being treated.

Mr Harper said initially one male intervened and then four younger males also came to help.

Mr Harper praised those who came to the woman's aid.

He said: "I would certainly like to give a big thanks to those individuals who have got involved, those members of the public who have dived into a volatile situation with complete disregard for their own safety and their actions should be commended."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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