Police launch murder probe as boy, 15, dies near West Bromwich shopping centre

Police were called to New Square, just off New Street, shortly after 9.15pm on Sunday.

Despite the efforts of paramedics at the scene, the teenager was pronounced dead.

Police say they are in the "early stages" of their investigation and have urged anyone with information to get in touch.

DCI Laura Harrison, from the West Midlands Police homicide team, said: "It is a tragedy that yet another young life has been lost as a result knife crime. Our immediate thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends.

“We are at the early stages of our enquiries but we have detectives working hard to identify those responsible and bring them into custody as soon as possible.

"There are several lines of enquiry that we will be following, but we also need people to come forward with information.

“We will be increasing patrols and offering reassurance to the community over the coming days.”

Ambulance crew rushed to the scene of the stabbing at around 9.13pm.

Upon arrival, they discovered the teenager in "critical condition".

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "Two ambulances, two paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor with a critical care paramedic and the Midlands Air Ambulance Critical Care Car attended.

"Ambulance staff immediately began administering advanced life support but sadly, it became apparent nothing could be done to save the patient and he was confirmed dead at the scene."

A blue tent was spotted at the scene of the suspected murder outside New Square Shopping Centre on Monday morning.

Forensic investigators were also present with a police cordon in place.

A spokeswoman for New Square Shopping Centre confirmed the site had shut on Monday in the wake of the incident.

A statement read: "An incident took place last night (Sunday) at New Square. Due to this, the shopping centre is currently fully closed.

"We are now assisting West Midlands Police in their investigations and will give further updates, once we are able, regarding the reopening of the centre.

"Thank you to all our customers for their patience and cooperation.”

National Express West Midlands advised at around 6.25am that services had been disrupted as a result of the incident.

It said services 4, 4M, 5 and 40 had diverted in both directions via Congregation Way, Reform Street, Bull Street, West Bromwich Ringway, St Michael Street.

Local MP Nicola Richards said: "This is a terrible tragedy and my deepest sympathies go out to the victim's family and friends.

"There is no place for violence like this in our area."

Anyone with information about the stabbing has been asked to contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat on its website or by calling 101 and quoting log 3772 of April 7.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.