Teenager arrested over stabbing which left 16-year-old boy dead
A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 16-year-old boy found stabbed in a busy town centre street.
A 17-year-old handed himself in at a police station in the West Midlands in the early hours of Friday morning - less than 12 hours after the fatal stabbing in Sutton Coldfield.
Officers had been called to the scene after the victim was discovered gravely injured, after disorder in Lower Parade at around 3.30pm, near a McDonald's restaurant.
Despite the efforts of emergency services and paramedics, who carried out advanced life support, the boy was confirmed dead at the scene.
The area has remained sealed off today as the investigation continues.
Several people were seen fleeing the area after the fracas, and officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything to come forward.
CCTV is also being scoured, potential witnesses are being spoken to, and extra patrols have been deployed in a bid to reassure the public.
Assistant Chief Constable Alex Murray, of West Midlands Police, said: "This is a tragic set of circumstances and our thoughts, and I'm sure the thoughts of everyone in the community, are with the boy's family at this truly devastating time.
"A dedicated team of homicide detectives has worked non-stop on the investigation since yesterday and has made good progress.
"We understand the concerns that people living in Sutton Coldfield, and beyond, will have as a result of the tragedy that has unfolded.
"I'd encourage anyone with information to get in touch with the officers as soon as possible."
He added the force took violent crime very seriously and with its community partners and the police and crime commissioner's office, had a programme running in schools aimed at steering youths away from knife crime.
Mr Murray added: "We need parents, community leaders, schools and young people themselves to pass the message that it is never OK to carry or use a knife."
