Teenager stabbed in the back twice in 'targeted attack' in Bearwood park

The teenager was stabbed twice in Lightwoods Park, Hagley Road West, at about 7.15pm on Thursday.

He was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition, police said.

The force has also confirmed that they believe the incident was a targeted attack and has said patrols have been increased around parks and open spaces.

Jamie Arrowsmith, spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "We were called to reports of a stabbing on Lightwoods Park, Hagley Road West at 7.16pm last night, one ambulance, a paramedic officer and a MERIT trauma doctor attended the scene.

"On arrival we discovered one patient, a teenage male, who was treated for potentially serious injuries before being taken to hospital for further treatment."

Inspector Bel Sixsmith, from the Sandwell Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said: “We are doing everything we can to tackle violence and make Sandwell feel a safe place to live, work and visit.

“We will continue to have high visibility and engagement throughout this high demand period.”

If you witnessed this incident or have any information in relation to it, contact police via Live Chat on the website or by calling 101 quoting log 3839 of April 22. Information can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Since lockdown restrictions have begun to ease and the weather warms there has been a rise in reports of crime and anti-social behaviour involving youths in open spaces and parks, West Midlands Police said.