Man Charged with Attempted Murder in Birmingham Stabbing

A man has been charged with attempted murder after stabbing a woman in the neck in Birmingham city centre.

West Midlands Police say Djeison Rafael, a Black British national, also faces charges of two other assaults and possession of a blade.

The police force is continuing to appeal for anyone with information to come forward - and it has been reported that the 21-year-old was wearing a grey tracksuit, black cap, trainers and a rucksack.

Shortly before 9 p.m. on Friday, officers were called to Smallbrook Queensway after reports of a knife attack.

The victim, a woman in her 30s, was taken to hospital in critical condition with a serious neck injury.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood thanked the police for their "swift efforts" to arrest the suspect and urged witnesses to call 101.

She wrote on X last night: "I am shocked to hear a woman was stabbed in Birmingham in an unprovoked attack.
My thoughts are with the victim, her family and friends."

West Midlands Police added: "We are continuing our inquiries and are keen to hear from anyone who knows more about what happened or the movements of Rafael."