Boy, 13, is second suspect arrested for murder after fatal West Brom stabbing of Isaac Brown

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a teenager who was stabbed to death at a shopping centre. 

Issac Brown, 15, was attacked at New Square, in West Bromwich, at around 9.15pm on Sunday night (April 7).

Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead outside the shopping centre near a Nando's restaurant and Odeon cinema. 

Yesterday (Monday) a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder by detectives from West Midlands Police. Today (Wednesday) the force revealed another boy, aged just 13, had also been detained on suspicion of Isaac's murder. 

A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "We have made a further arrest in connection with the death of 15-year-old Isaac Brown who was stabbed in West Bromwich on Sunday night.

"Isaac sadly died after he was stabbed in New Square at around 9:15pm. Officers have arrested a second boy, aged 13, on suspicion of murder and he remains in custody for questioning.  A 17-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday (8 April) also remains in custody while our enquiries continue. 

"We are still urging anyone who has any information about the incident to get in contact with us by either calling 101 or via Live Chat on our website quoting 3772 of 7 April. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

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Yesterday the teenager's heartbroken family paid tribute to a "wonderful" son who was "always smiling". They said in a statement: “Isaac is a wonderful, loving, kind, happy, son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin.

“Fun and mischievous, always smiling and always there to help. We are unable to understand what has happened. We just want him back and this not to have happened.”

Detective Inspector Ade George, from the Homicide Unit, said previously: “Our thoughts remain with the friends and family of Isaac and we have specially trained officers in place to support them.

“We hope the arrest provides some reassurance to the community as we understand the concern the tragic incident has caused to those living, working and visiting the town centre. 

“Extra officers will be in and around New Square as a cordon remains in place. Please talk to them if you have any concerns. We are still keen to speak to anyone who was in the area last night around the time of the incident and urge anyone with information to get in touch.”

The shopping centre confirmed last night that it would be fully reopened today and said it would support the police's investigation. A New Square spokesperson said: “Following yesterday’s tragic events, New Square will fully reopen to the public tomorrow morning (Tuesday April 9).

"As always, our upmost priority is the safety and comfort of the public and our staff. We continue to work in partnership with West Midlands Police, as they carry out their investigations. Thank you to the West Bromwich community for your ongoing support."

The £200million New Square development opened in 2013 covering 473,000 sq ft feet and includes shops, bars, restaurants, a cinema and other leisure facilities.