'Rest with the angels': Shock over Brownhills stabbing that left eight-year-old Mylee Billingham dead
Floral tributes are gathering in memory of tragic schoolgirl Mylee Billingham as her father, arrested over her death, remains critically ill in hospital.
The father of stabbing victim Mylee Billingham will undergo surgery, say police, as the community is left reeling by the tragedy.
Mylee, aged eight, was rushed to hospital with serious stab injuries after the attack at a home in Brownhills but died a short time later.
It is believed her father - Bill Billingham who was found at the address with a stab wound to his stomach - has been arrested.
The 54-year-old remains in a critical condition in hospital where police say he is expected to undergo surgery.
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A post mortem examination is set to take place this afternoon to determine the cause of Mylee’s death.
West Midlands Police say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.
An hysterical woman was heard saying ‘they stabbed my baby’ as police were called to Valley View at around 9.15pm on Saturday.
Just one hour before police were called to the address, Bill Billingham took to Facebook and posted a photograph of his smiling daughter in bed captioned: “Pitza on bed lv moo x”.
Police have been at the home of Mylee’s mother, Tracey Taundry, which is just minutes away from the scene of the crime.
They believe the stabbing to have been a ‘domestic incident’.
It has been reported that Billingham is the brother of Channel Four show SAS: Who Dares Wins star Mark Billingham MBE, who was a private bodyguard for Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Tom Cruise, and has completed 27 years with the elite military service.
Pictures on Billingham’s social media show the pair enjoying drinks together.
His Facebook page was awash with comments aiming abuse at him last night.
Mark, who appears to have deleted his Twitter and Facebook accounts, said in a short statement: "Please respect my family's privacy. There will be no further comment at this time."
He was in the SAS for 27 years and appeared as an instructor to the recruits on Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins in 2016.
He was awarded an MBE in 2005 for leading a mission in Iraq to rescue British hostage Norman Kember.
However, others spoke in sympathy for the victim with nurse Laura Beech saying simply: “Rest with the angels, little one.”
Detective Inspector Jim Colclough, from West Midlands Police homicide unit said: “This is an absolutely tragic set of circumstances and my thoughts are with everyone who has been affected.
“We are still at the early stages of understanding exactly what happened and why – but I can confirm we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this investigation.”
Neighbours spoke of their shock at the tragic incident, with floral tributes left at the scene.
One reads: “To Mylee, stay safe with the angels.”
One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “The girl was just lovely with lovely long blonde hair.”
Another neighbour, 74-year-old Graham Greatrex, said: “We heard the commotion and the mother was standing outside our house.
“I went to talk to her and she said they stabbed my baby. She was hysterical. People were racing around everywhere.”
David Taylor, who lives opposite the house, added: “All I heard last night was car doors banging, so I looked out and saw a load of flashing lights. I thought there might have been a gas leak.
“Now I know what’s happened it’s very upsetting. I have a granddaughter who’s eight and it made me think of her. It’s not nice.”
Outside St James' Primary School her headteacher, Andy Nicholls, today paid an emotional tribute to the young girl.
Police vans remained lined up outside the bungalow today as flowers were left by the cordon.
A police tent was also erected outside the home later this morning as investigations continue.
WATCH police remain at the scene today as neighbours speak of their shock
Brownhills councillor Ken Ferguson said: “It’s devastating news. I’m shell shocked. It’s horrendous, I still can’t take it in.”
Chief Inspector Gareth Morris said: “The death of a child is so hard hitting and my thoughts and those of the officers are with the family and friends.”
