Knife crime: Man slashed in Walsall Town Centre by a group of men days after fatal stabbing

A man was taken to hospital after being attacked with a machete in Walsall.

The attack happened in Pool Street just before 8pm yesterday (March 13). The man, in his 20s, suffered slash wounds and is currently being treated for his injuries, which are not thought to be life-changing.

It’s understood he was assaulted by a group of men who made off from the scene. A cordon was in place for forensic examinations to be conducted.

West Midlands Police are trawling CCTV footage to establish what happened and identify the offenders and potential vehicles involved.

The police said: “There will be an increased police presence in the area as we understand how concerning the recent incidents of violence in Walsall have been for local communities.

“We ask anyone with information to help our investigation to contact us via Live Chat on our website quoting lo 4075 of 13/3.

“We understand that following the tragic murder of Akeem Francis-Kerr on Saturday, people in Walsall are concerned and we’ve stepped up our patrols in the town as we also continue with enquiries.

“Our investigators are committed to establishing who is responsible for the death of the 29-year-old and bringing them to justice. And our neighbourhood officers are out on increased patrols to offer reassurance to people living and working in the town.

“We know there have also been concerns around recent knife crime in the town and we’ve been working hard, alongside partner agencies across Walsall, to reduce the risk of violence.”

The police have seized 36 knives off the streets in the past year. From the beginning of April, more force resources will be brought under the command of Walsall’s Chief Supt Phil Dolby and his leadership team, to focus even more on local communities and their safety.

There will be an increase in the number of high-visibility patrols covering the night-time economy in Walsall town centre.

West Midlands Police added: “As our Force CID teams continue with investigations into Saturday’s fatal stabbing, we’re again asking people to send in information or mobile footage directly to detectives via a specially set-up website.