Pictured: Woman, 34, stabbed to death in Birmingham city centre

This is the first picture of the woman who was stabbed to death in a seemingly random attack in the centre of Birmingham. 

Katie Fox, 34, was knifed in the neck at the Smallbrook Queensway, a busy road which runs between Birmingham New Street station and the Bullring shopping centre, shortly before 9pm on Friday.

She was rushed to hospital with a serious neck injury but West Midlands Police confirmed today that she had 'since tragically died in hospital'.

Her family were too upset to speak at her childhood home in Northfield, Birmingham, this afternoon.

A family friend, who did not give her name, said: 'It's too soon to talk I'm afraid. They are all in total shock. It's horrible.'

Neighbours described Katie as a 'nice girl' who moved into the semi-detached house when she was a teenager.

The family are believed to be in the process of selling the property and moving to Devon.

One neighbour said: 'They've lived there for 20-odd years, Katie was a teenager when they arrived. She was a nice girl.

'I heard there had been an incident in the city centre but can't believe she has died. It's a tragedy. She didn't live in the family home, I think she had a flat in Longbridge.'

Tributes have also poured in for Katie online, with one describing her as a 'beautiful soul'.

Cathy Crossley, from Arts All Over The Place, (AAOTP) wrote: 'Tragic news today that Katie Fox, partner of Gary Morris died after being stabbed on Friday Evening in Birmingham. 

'She was a friend of AAOTP for many years, and attended several events. we are all devastated and send so much love and support to Gary Morris, who is bass player in our band ADHD.'

Melanie Cox Pryce wrote: 'This is absolutely devastating to hear! Poor lady was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

'More needs to be done to help people feel safe again, more police on the streets and greater consequence for the crime.

'Sad for the family and friends.'

Chloe Heath posted: 'I've been thinking about her all weekend, praying for her recovery.

'This is heartbreaking news. Sending love and prayers to her family. Rest in peace.'

Moet Jaffier-White said: 'Getting home each day truly is a blessing, RIP to the beautiful soul who lost her life for nothing.'

Leanne Maycock wrote: 'Devastating news. I so hoped she would pull through..

'How can any family get their head around losing a loved one in such a traumatic way for absolutely no reason whatsoever, sending love to all who knew her, may she rest in peace.'

Theresa Louise wrote: 'Just awful. Condolences to her family.

'You should be able to go about your business, when did our country become unsafe?'

Scarlet Nathaly said: 'I really wished she would have made it. What is happening in this city! In this country... we're not safe anywhere.

'My thoughts and prayers are with her family, absolutely heartbreaking. Rest in Peace sweetheart.'

Andrea Shillingford wrote: 'I've been praying she would pull through so saddened to hear this news condolences to her family and friends.'

Djeison Rafael, 21, appeared before Birmingham magistrates' court today charged with Ms Fox's murder, as well as two counts of actual bodily harm, possession of a Stanley knife and assaulting an emergency worker.

He appeared in court wearing a grey t-shirt and spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address. 

The court heard he has been charged with actual bodily harm against Hailing Du on November 7 and a further count of actual bodily harm against Mariamo Sow, which allegedly took place a week earlier, on October 27. 

Rafael is also accused of assaulting a police detention escort officer the day after the alleged murder, on November 8. 

District Judge John Bristow remanded Rafael in custody to appear before Birmingham Crown Court on November 12.  

Appealing for further information today, West Midlands Police said Rafael was wearing a grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers and rucksack at the time of the fatal stabbing on Friday. 

Police said specially trained officers were supporting the victim's family.

The force said in a statement today: 'We are still keen to hear from anyone who knows more about what happened or the movements of Rafael, who we believe was wearing an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers and rucksack on Friday evening.'

Extra officers will also be around Birmingham city centre to offer reassurance, according to the force.

The attack, which unfolded just yards from Birmingham New Street station, was the third reported stabbing in the city centre in just over a month.

Two 17-year-old boys were knifed outside a Primark store within the space of a week in October.

In the lead up to one of the assaults, about ten men were said to have been involved in a fight near the city's famous bronze bull sculpture.

Witnesses or anyone with information have been asked to contact West Midlands Police by calling 101 and quoting log 5503 of November 7.