Hall Green schoolboy murder suspect also in custody 'over pensioner attack' days earlier

A teenager being held in custody on suspicion of murdering a 12-year-old boy in Hall Green is also suspected of assaulting a pensioner days earlier, police said. The 14-year-old boy was being held on suspicion of both crimes today, Wednesday, January 22.

West Midlands Police Chief Supt Richard North said the two cases were not linked. He revealed the details at an urgent media briefing.

It was held this afternoon near Hall Green's Scribers Lane where the 12-year-old boy was fatally stabbed at around school finishing time yesterday. He was pronounced dead in hospital later the same day.

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Supt North opened the press conference by saying: "At around 3:40pm, we were called by West Midlands Ambulance Service after a boy, 12, was found by a member of public after being stabbed on Scribers Lane.

"As a result of urgent enquiries, at 7pm yesterday, a 14-year-old was arrested. The same 14-year-old boy has also been arrested for another, separate incident."

Mr North said the earlier incident involved a woman in her 80s who was "seriously assaulted" on Sunday, January 19, near the River Cole. He said detectives were in the early stages of their investigation.

Speaking about yesterday's tragedy, he added: "The boy died despite best efforts. It was incredibly distressing for members of the public, paramedics and officers who did everything they could.

"This is an absolutely appalling incident and we are at the very early stages of the inquiry. I would encourage anyone who was in the area to contact West Midlands Police."

He said the force's specialist officers were working with the victim's loved ones. "We're working with the family to support them at this very difficult time."