This morning, a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder, less than 24 hours after the killing on Linwood Road, Handsworth.
A murder enquiry had been launched after the 15-year-old victim, who lived locally, was set upon by a group of young people just after 15:30 hours yesterday.
The teenager was taken to hospital but sadly died a short time later from his injuries. A post-mortem examination has yet to take place.
West Midlands Police said the suspect is currently in custody and the scene is still in place while they continue to carry out a forensic examination.
Yesterday, witnesses reported they heard shots and the suspects were armed with knives. The suspects are alleged to have left the scene in a white car which crashed into a house a short distance away in Wheeler Street.
Detective Chief Inspector Alastair Orencas who is leading the investigation said:
“Our investigation has progressed at pace and this arrest is a positive step forward as we try to establish exactly what happened yesterday afternoon.
“Yesterday’s events were shocking and tragic. My thoughts are with the boy’s family who are being supported by specialist family liaison officers at this incredibly sad and difficult time.
“We’re doing all we can to fully understand what took place, violence like this on our streets is heart-breaking and deeply concerning.
“I’d urge anyone who saw anything or has any information to contact us as soon as possible.”
Before you go...
We need your help. As former emergency services & armed forces personnel, we pride ourselves on bringing you important, fast-moving and breaking news stories which are free from the negative bias which is often directed at the emergency services by some sections of the mainstream media.
One of the reasons we started 'Emergency Services News' was because we became tired of reading badly informed stories about the emergency services which seemed only ever to highlight negative aspects of the job.
We want to be the unheard voice of the remarkable men and women who serve in the emergency services, NHS and armed forces. And with around 500k page views each month, we are getting there!
As income from ads, the mainstay source of income for most publishers, continues to decline; we need the help of our readers.
And remember, if you have a service, product or job vacancy that you would like to promote to our large readership, then you can buy advertising space in our articles.
You can support emergency services news from as little as £1. It only takes a minute. Every contribution, however big or small, is vital for our future.
Please help us to continue to highlight the life-saving work of the emergency services, NHS and armed forces by becoming a supporter.