Teenager and man injured in West Bromwich double stabbing
A teenager was seriously injured in a stabbing near The Hawthorns.
Emergency services found the injured boy and a second man on a road near the Waggon and Horses pub this morning.
A 17-year-old boy was taken to hospital with a serious injury to his back, along with a 24-year-old man who has injuries to his arms and hands, which are not thought to be serious.
A police tent remained in place today in Dartmouth Road close to the junction with Halfords Lane.
The route was blocked between the pub and West Midlands Hire and Haulage, on the Smethwick and West Bromwich border, into mid-afternoon.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said the 24-year-old man suffered "nasty" injuries.
The attack happened at around 6.30am.
Both were taken to hospital for further treatment.
Two ambulances, two paramedic officers and the MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic attended.
The scene is less than a mile from West Bromwich Albion's ground.
Forensic officers erected a tent over a black VW Golf which was later towed away.
Pictures were being taken of a car wing mirror found in the roadway nearby.
Staff and volunteers at the Brasshouse Community Centre were stunned by the stab attack nearby.
Chief executive, Jenn Harrison BEM, said: "I came into the community centre at 8.30am and noticed Dartmouth Road has been cordoned off because of police activity in the area.
"Some community members wanted to know if anything had gone on and obviously these are really rare occurrences so it's really shocking for our community.
"Our hearts go out to those affected by the tragedy but we are determined to make north Smethwick a safer community.
"It's part of Safer 6 this week and we're working to make north Smethwick somewhere people can feel safe in the local area.
"It's very unsettling. We've got the neighbourhood police team in and after we know what it is we will then start the process on rebuilding a community.
"For us, this is an area where it has no more trouble than any other neighbourhood.
"It's not regarded as a violent community - there's been some isolated incidents.
"We will be coming together to see what we can do to make people feel safe and supported.
"I, myself, have tried to get in contact with the local policing team to see if there's anything we can do. But we haven't had a response - but I understand there's a live investigation going on.
"My priority is to look after the staff team and visiting members of the public.
"Hopefully this is an isolated incident."
Owner of RK Pharmacy near the scene of the attack, Rakesh Aggarwal said: "This area isn’t too bad for serious offences. It’s sad to think what happened.”
A resident who lives nearby, who asked not to be named, said: “I’ve heard a few different things about what happened, but I’m not sure.
“It’s the area isn’t it. It’s just horrible what took place.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote log number 350 of 25 September.
