Police hunting for suspect after series of stabbing attacks in Birmingham, UK, leaves 1 dead and 7 injured

One man has died and two other people are seriously injured after a spate of stabbings in Birmingham city center. Police have launched a murder investigation and are hunting for one suspect who is still at large.

Five other people were also injured but their condition is not life threatening. West Midlands Police declared a “major incident”, meaning there has been serious harm or a security risk to the public.

The incidents took place between 12:30am and 2:20am. The police said it is doing all it can to find whoever was responsible. The police said that the victims appeared to be randomly selected and the incidents did not target any one community or appear to be gang related.

A forensic worker investigates at the scene of reported stabbings in Birmingham, Britain, September 6, 2020. © REUTERS/Phil Noble

The force said that detectives are following a number of lines of enquiry and it has increased its uniformed and armed response in the city. Police cordons were in place on in three separate locations in the city centre on Sunday morning.

“The events during the early hours of this morning are tragic, shocking and understandably frightening. Please be assured that we are doing absolutely everything we can to find whoever was responsible and try to understand what exactly happened,” Chief Superintendent Steve Graham said.

“We have well-rehearsed plans for dealing with major incidents. Your safety is always our priority and that’s why you’ll see an increase in officers on the streets. In the meantime, we’d ask anyone who’s in the city to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to us,” he added.

A knife lies on the pavement after being recovered by the police from a drain following reported stabbings in Birmingham, Britain, September 6, 2020. © REUTERS/Phil Noble

People are being asked to stay away from Birmingham city center and to remain calm but vigilant.

Local news outlets are reporting that the police cordon is close to the area known as the Gay Village in the city center. The area was busy on Saturday evening with many people seated at outdoor tables eating and drinking.

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