Woman stabbed in neck during apparent unprovoked attack

Following the attack on Friday night, a 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

The incident occurred on Smallbrook Queensway, just outside the Bullring Shopping Center and opposite the main entrance to New Street railway station, shortly before 21:00 GMT.

West Midlands Police said a 30-year-old woman suffered serious neck injuries and is in hospital in a critical condition.

Officers are currently conducting inquiries near the scene, which is in a very busy area of ​​the city center.

A police tent has been set up on the pavement just outside the Bullring and in front of the main entrance to New Street.

"We believe this was an unprovoked attack and are working to understand why it happened," said Det Insp James Nix.

"We will have officers in the area today to continue our investigation and provide reassurance.

"We are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with this incident."

Shalini Dol, who works nearby, said she saw the emergency response when she got off work at around 22:00.

"They'd blocked off all the roads, a lot of people were walking past just wondering what had gone on - it was quite a chaotic scene," she said.

"A few of my colleagues had their breaks around the time of the incident and said they heard a commotion outside, around 9 o'clock."

She said the attack was concerning because she and her colleagues often finished their shifts as late as midnight or 01:00.

"A lot of my colleagues take public transport, take the tram... our safety is at risk essentially, here in the city centre."

Ashley Birks, 25, from Stoke-on-Trent, said he regularly came to Birmingham to visit his girlfriend, who also lives in the city, and was worried by what had happened.

"It makes me worried for my girlfriend," he said.

"She doesn't drive and works at all of the big music venues... and to think something completely unprovoked [happened], you know, it's horrible."

West Midlands Police has appealed for witnesses and urged anyone who knows more to contact 101.

It has also opened a major incident public portal where people can upload relevant photos and videos.

Police said they are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the area before the stabbing.

St Martins Queensway westbound has been closed from Moor Street Queensway to Smallbrook Queensway.

Buses are being diverted to Moor Street.