Police launch appeal after teenage boy stabbed in town centre

Detectives investigating the murder of a 16-year-old boy after disorder in a town centre have appealed for help to trace several people seen fleeing the scene.

West Midlands Police said the victim was pronounced dead after being found injured following a stabbing in Lower Parade, Sutton Coldfield, at around 3.30pm on Thursday.

The force said in a statement: "The area has been sealed off for investigations to be carried out. Officers are viewing CCTV and conducting enquiries with people in the vicinity."

"Several people were seen fleeing the area after the disorder and officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything to come forward."

Extra reassurance patrols will be taking place in the town centre following the attack, which reportedly happened near a branch of McDonald's and a parade of bus stops.

Detective Chief Inspector Edward Foster said: "It is tragic that someone so young has lost their life and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this devastating time.

"We are striving to establish the circumstances around the stabbing, but believe there was a disorder just beforehand.

"With this being a busy area, we believe there will be a number of people who may have vital information to assist our enquiries. I would urge anyone who hasn't spoken to officers to contact us."

No-one has been arrested at this stage and no weapon has been recovered.

An ambulance, a paramedic officer, the West Midlands Central Accident Resuscitation Emergency team medics and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Tatenhill responded to the scene, West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) said.

A WMAS spokeswoman said: "Crews arrived to find a 16-year-old boy with serious injuries.

"The team of ambulance staff worked quickly to begin administering advanced life support to the boy at the scene.

"Sadly, nothing could be done to save the boy and he was confirmed dead a short time later."

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