A woman has died after being stabbed in the neck during what police described as an “unprovoked attack” at a bus stop in Birmingham city centre.
Katie Fox, 34, was attacked on Smallbrook Queensway shortly before 9pm on Friday and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. She died from her injuries over the weekend.
Fox was believed to have lived in Longbridge
Djeison Rafael, 21, of Smethwick, appeared before Birmingham magistrates’ court on Monday charged with her murder.
Rafael, a black British citizen, is also accused of two charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm on October 27 and November 7, possession of a Stanley blade and assaulting a detention escort officer on November 8.
Rafael, wearing a grey T-shirt, was flanked by two dock officers as he stood before District Judge John Bristow.
The six-minute hearing was repeatedly interrupted as the defendant attempted to speak over proceedings. Judge Bristow told him to remain silent and look forward, before remanding him in custody to appear before Birmingham crown court on November 12.
Fox’s family live in Northfield, Birmingham
Fox’s family were said to be too upset to speak at her childhood home in Northfield, Birmingham, on Monday afternoon. They are believed to be in the process of selling the property and moving to Devon.
One neighbour told the Daily Mail: “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.”
Cathy Crossley, from Arts All Over The Place, wrote online: “Tragic news today that Katie Fox, partner of Gary Morris died after being stabbed on Friday evening in Birmingham.
West Midlands police closed a section of road outside Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre after the incident
ALAMY
“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.”
West Midlands police said that officers were called to Smallbrook Queensway after reports that a woman had been attacked at a bus stop.
Detective Inspector James Nix, who is leading the investigation, said: “We believe this was an unprovoked attack and are working to understand why it happened. Our thoughts are with the woman’s loved ones, and specially trained officers are supporting her family.”
Officers have appealed for witnesses.
Police said that additional patrols would be deployed around Birmingham city centre “to offer reassurance” after the attack.
Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary who is also the local MP , described the incident as “shocking”, writing on X: “My thoughts are with the victim, her family and friends. I thank the police for their swift action to arrest a suspect and urge any witnesses to come forward.”
Members of the public with information or video are urged to contact West Midlands police.
Police have said that they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.