🔗 Share this article

A woman stabbed repeatedly in the neck during a random assault at a bus stop in Birmingham has died, authorities verified.

The victim, who was 34, came under attack on Smallbrook Queensway street, right beside the Bullring shopping centre, shortly before 21:00 GMT on Friday, West Midlands Police said.

Djeison Rafael, twenty-one, was presented at Birmingham court Monday morning, facing charges for the violent incident.

He was previously accused of attempted murder but following the victim's passing the charge has been updated to murder.

Law Enforcement Actions

The force said police personnel will remain in the downtown area on Monday providing public assurance, and investigators were supporting the victim's relatives.

Investigators are requesting for witnesses who may have seen Mr Rafael, identified as British citizen of Black ethnicity, reportedly dressed in an all-grey tracksuit, dark headwear, athletic shoes with a backpack.

Attack Site Details

The knife attack occurred near the Bullring shopping centre, across from primary access point to Birmingham New Street station.

Law enforcement confirmed they were treating it as a random violent act with investigators stating they were working to understand why it happened.

Eyewitness Reports

An area worker, who works nearby, recounted paramedic and police activity when she finished her work period at about 22:00 Friday night.

She described the scene as extremely disorderly, adding that some of her colleagues heard a commotion at about 21:00.

"Many co-workers take public transport, ride the tramline... our security is compromised essentially, here in the city centre."

Another individual, 25, from Stoke-on-Trent, mentioned visiting the city fairly regularly to see his girlfriend who lives in the city, and was concerned regarding the incident.

"It makes me worried for my girlfriend," he said.

"She doesn't drive and works at all of the big music venues... considering a totally random act occurred, you know, it's terrible."