West Bromwich stab murder: Shock at 'horrendous' killing

Residents have spoken at their shock at the murder of a man in West Bromwich, as police continued to question three people over the killing.

Police, including armed officers, were called to the address in Campville Crescent, Stone Cross, West Bromwich, yesterday afternoon at 1.50pm. A man believed to be in his early 40s died at the scene.

Another man believed to be in his early 20s has been taken to hospital. He was last night described as being in a serious but stable condition.

The two men and a woman arrested on suspicion of murder remained in custody on Thursday morning.

Paul Knott, aged 53, a taxi driver who has lives nearby, said: "This doesn't come as any surprise, we have been waiting for something like this.

"People used to fight to live on this estate, but over the years it has gone downhill, this tops off. I just looked outside the window, there were four ambulances, five police cars, two lots of armed police and a helicopter came." That's when we knew it was something serious."

Friar Ward councillor Geoffrey Lewis said the death was a 'big shock'.

He said: "It certainly has come as a big shock.

"I have been in all day and nobody has phoned me. I'm surprised this has happened.

"It's quite shocking, its a shame.

Wednesbury Councillor Elaine Costigan said: "I'm absolutely shocked by this news, and it is very frightening this has happened on our doorstep.

"I find it a disgrace that something like this has taken place in the area. I was only at a police meeting last night discussing the cuts that were being made. After something as shocking as this happening, questions will be asked as to how much the service is needed for Wednesbury.

"I understand there are issues in Friar Park but this is horrendous. We need to look at what more can be done to prevent fatal incidents like this happening."

Wednesbury Councillor Tony Meehan said: "I am in absolute shock to hear that something like this could happen in broad daylight.

"This is incredibly sad for not only the family but the community as a whole.

"Things like this may be an everyday occurrence in big places like London but we don't want that city culture coming to our nice towns and communities in the Black Country."