Teenager appears in court over murder of Karl Gallagher in Smethwick

Tyrell Harris, 19, of Helvellyn Way, West Bromwich, appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court today.

He was remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at the city's crown court on Friday.

Three other men arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on bail while the investigation continues.

Three men arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have also been released pending investigation, as has a man arrested on suspicion of obstructing police.

Meanwhile more than £3,000 has been raised towards Mr Gallagher's funeral through an online appeal.

Mr Gallagher died from a single stab wound to the chest following an altercation at the West Cross Shopping Centre in Smethwick on Sunday, at around 4.40pm.

The 31-year-old, from Smethwick, leaves behind a daughter. His family is being supported by specially trained officers.

Police have been examining CCTV and mobile phone footage from the scene, some of which has been widely shared on social media.

Officers have asked for footage not to be shared on social media and have set up a dedicated website where people can share any footage they may have.

To share footage, go to mipp.police.uk/operation/20HQ19G37-PO1

Interactive map of the area:

The young father was one of four people stabbed in three West Midlands knife attacks in the space of 30 hours, with one of the other attacks taking place just 100 yards away from the murder scene.

In that incident armed police were called after a man was attacked with a machete while in Solihull two people were stabbed in the same incident, including a 16-year-old boy who was knifed in the back.

In a statement Mr Gallagher's family said: "Karl was a very dearly loved son, brother, nephew, cousin and partner. He was also a proud and loving father.

"His friends and family are devastated."

Timeline of knife attacks

• Sunday, 2.40pm: Two teenagers injured in Solihull stabbing. One, a 16-year-old boy, is left critical after being knifed in the back. A 19-year-old man is also taken to hospital.

• Sunday, 4.40pm: Karl Gallagher killed in Smethwick. Mr Gallagher, 31, is pronounced dead at West Cross Shopping Centre after being knifed in front of shoppers. Police and family members urge the public not to share shocking video footage of the attack which is posted online.

• Monday, 6pm: Man knifed at Smethwick petrol station. A man is slashed in the arm on a petrol station forecourt 100 yards away from where Mr Gallagher was killed. Armed police surround and raid a house on nearby St Paul's Road.