Girl Stabbed To Death On Bus

A man has been arrested following the murder of a 16-year-old girl in Birmingham.

Christina Edkins was stabbed while on a bus on Hagley Road at about 07:40 on her way to school.

A 22-year-old man has bee arrested near a Morrisons supermarket at Five Ways.

A manhunt was launched this morning for the attacker.

Police revealed they were looking for a black male in his late teens or early 20s.

A suspect who had been earlier detained has been released.

West Midlands Police were dispatched to the scene following reports of an attack on a passenger.

A spokesman for National Express West Midlands told the BBC: "We can confirm that a tragic incident took place on a number 9 service this morning.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the family of the person involved and we will offer all possible support to the police in their investigation into the matter."

Detectives have now begun a murder investigation, while the girl's family has been informed.

Detective Superintendent Richard Baker, of West Midlands Police, said: "As you can appreciate the family are extremely distressed and distraught by the news of today's events.

"In relation to the offender, we are currently actively undergoing a manhunt operation in Birmingham.

"We are utilising every specialist officer, local policing officers and investigators in order to identify, locate and arrest the offender who is currently outstanding."

The suspect is believed to have been wearing dark-coloured trousers and a dark-coloured hooded top with a tiger or leopard motif on the back.

The area was cordoned off this morning and officers remained at the scene on Hagley Road, in Birmingham.

Witnesses to the attack have been asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(IT)