Family thank passers-by for saving pregnant stab victim and unborn baby

The family of a pregnant stabbing victim have praised the "fearlessness" of passers-by who intervened.

Police have charged a man with two counts of attempted murder and one of attempted child destruction in connection with the attack in Sutton Coldfield on Friday afternoon.

The 40-year-old woman is in a stable condition and her baby girl continues to do well, West Midlands Police said.

Passers-by flagged down officers in Trinity Hill after the incident in the busy town centre, and police said several members of the public attempted to intervene, two of whom were treated for minor injuries.

The victim was airlifted from the scene by air ambulance at around 4pm and her unborn child was later delivered safely.

Her family 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 overwhelmingly grateful to you all.

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

Babur Karamat Raja, 41, from Sutton Coldfield, has also been charged with assault and possession of a knife in a public place.

He will appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Monday.

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