Murder investigation launched after boy dies in Birmingham

A murder enquiry has been launched after a teenage boy died after being attacked in Handsworth this afternoon (21 Jan). 

The 15-year-old was set upon by a group of youths in Linwood Road just after 3.30pm. He was rushed to hospital but sadly died a short time later from his injuries.

Witnesses say shots were heard and the suspects were armed with knives. They fled in a white car which crashed into a house a short distance away in Wheeler Street. No arrests have been made.

Enquiries are underway and the road has been closed with a cordon placed around the scene. Officers continue to speak to witnesses and are fast-tracking CCTV in the area. The car has also been seized for forensic examination.

Detective Chief Inspector Alastair Orencas, from our homicide team, is leading the inquiry. He said: “This level of violence in broad daylight on a residential street is inconceivable, let alone the fact that the target was a 15-year-old boy.

“We are leaving no stone unturned in our search for those responsible and I ask anyone who knows who they are to contact us.

“The family of the boy has had the worst shock imaginable today and we have specialist officers with them in their time of grief."

Anyone who saw what happened and has not yet spoken to us should contact us urgently via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101. Information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.