Updated: Schoolgirl stabbed to death on Birmingham bus

[dutchman]

A 15-year-old schoolgirl has died after being stabbed on a bus in Birmingham, reports are claiming this morning.



Police have launched a murder investigation after the attack which happened on a National Express West Midlands bus on the A456 Hagley Road at around 07:40 GMT.

According to Sky News the passenger killed in the incident was a 15-year-old girl, although this has not yet been confirmed by police.

West Midlands Police responded to reports that a passenger had been attacked, and said this morning that they had begun a murder investigation and that the victim's family had been informed.

West Midlands Police said officers were immediately dispatched to the scene but were unable to save the victim.

A spokesman from National Express West Midlands told the BBC: "We can confirm that a tragic incident took place on a number 9 service this morning.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the family of the person involved and we will offer all possible support to the police in their investigation into the matter."

[dutchman]

Man arrested on suspicion of murder of 16-year-old schoolgirl Christina Edkins



A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 16-year-old girl who was stabbed to death on a rush-hour bus in Birmingham.

The man was held near a Morrison's supermarket following a manhunt launched after the killing on a crowded double-decker bus at around 7.30am.

Police said the man was chased and arrested after being seen acting suspiciously and was being held on suspicion of murder.

West Midlands Police this afternoon named the girl who died as Christina Edkins, a pupil at Leasowes High School.

Just last month, on the morning of 8 February, ChristinaEdkins tweeted about a man who was "worrying" her on a bus journey.

She said: "This man is worrying me on the bus keeps getting up and walking up and down stairs, and sitting in different place:|"

Neil Shaw, the headteacher of the school, said: "Christina was a bright and popular student much loved by staff and students alike.

"We are deeply saddened to hear this tragic news and our thoughts and hearts go out to her family and everyone who knew her.

"The school is working closely with the police and a team of counsellors to provide support to our pupils and staff."

West Midlands Police had earlier today launched a city-wide manhunt for a black male in his late teens or early 20s.

West Midlands Police said officers were immediately dispatched to the scene following reports of an attack on a passenger this morning but were unable to save the victim.

Christina Edkins is understood to have boarded the bus on her way to school just minutes before the attack.

A spokesman for National Express West Midlands told the BBC: "We can confirm that a tragic incident took place on a number 9 service this morning.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the family of the person involved and we will offer all possible support to the police in their investigation into the matter."

West Midlands Ambulance Service said it was called to an emergency on board a bus in Edgbaston shortly after 7.35am.

A spokesman said: "A senior paramedic officer in a rapid response vehicle, two Basics (British Association for Immediate Care) emergency medics and two ambulance crews attended.

"One person was confirmed dead at the scene."

Detective Superintendent Richard Baker said: "This is a tragic case and the victim's family are devastated.

"We are still anxious to hear from anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident this morning to speak to us via the dedicated hotline 0800 096 0095.

"There will be a high police presence across the city this afternoon following this morning's tragedy, particularly on buses and in schools in the area to provide reassurance to local people."

[rebbonk]

Ye Gods! What is the country coming to?