ITV Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins halts show with 'awful' Birmingham news

Good Morning Britain was halted by presenter Charlotte Hawkins today (Wednesday, January 22) amid 'awful' news. Viewers were told of the headlines, including the tragic news that a 12-year-old boy had been stabbed to death in Birmingham.

Reporter, Jonathan Swain, then stated that a 14-year-old boy had been arrested on suspicion of murder. Speaking from the city, he said: "Well, Charlotte, this is awful news, isn't it? For people to wake up to yet another young life tragically lost because of knife crime."

Jonathan informed viewers that the harrowing event unfolded as children were leaving school on Tuesday afternoon, shortly after 3:00pm. He said: "You can see the police are still on the scene here this morning.

READ MORE: Birmingham murder probe live after boy, 12, stabbed to death in Hall Green

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"The police tape, the police officer, and the police van. It happened just under that bridge over there. But, this did happen in a residential area, just take a look, families in this street here would've been well aware of what was going on."

He went on to say that emergency services, including an air ambulance, responded rapidly to the scene on Tuesday afternoon. "The boy who was attacked sadly suffered serious injuries, and he died as a result of those, despite all the emergency services' best efforts," he said.

"The police, this morning, told us that now a 14-year-old, a 14-year-old boy, has been arrested on suspicion of murder."

As he handed over to Charlotte in the studio, Jonathan remarked: "Charlotte, yet again, here we are, we have yet another investigation. Another crime scene and tragically another young life lost."

Charlotte responded with a sombre note: "It's sad, isn't it?" Viewers of the programme were swift to react to the unfolding news story, with many extending their sympathies to the bereaved family.

One viewer expressed: "Heartbreaking." Another shared their sentiment, commenting: "Heartbreaking, what a scary world we live in. Thoughts with the family."

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "A boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder following a fatal stabbing in Birmingham. he boy, 14, was arrested after a 12-year-old boy was found with serious injuries near Scribers Lane, Hall Green shortly after 3pm today (21 January). The 12-year-old was taken to hospital, but sadly died as a result of his injuries.

"His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. We are continuing to appeal for any information which could help in our investigation.

"We have set up our Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) where members of the public can submit photos or video evidence. Visit WMP Intranet - Home (mipp.police.uk) to access the MIPP or use the QR code below. Anyone with any other information can call 101 or use Live Chat quoting log 3324 of 21 January."