Extra police patrols in Birmingham City Centre after boy stabbed on the ramp by Grand Central

Police have stepped up patrols in Birmingham City Centre after a teenage boy was stabbed on the McDonald’s ramp by Grand Central, called Stephenson Place, in Birmingham City Centre.

West Midlands Police put section 60 powers in place - which enable them to stop and search people without the normal need for reasonable grounds - and stepped up patrols as they worked around the clock to investigate. They are considering extending those section 60 powers today (Thursday, January 19).

The 13-year-old boy was taken to hospital with injuries which are not believed to be life threatening or life changing. However, a spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service had previously said that the child faced “life-changing” injuries.

It’s believed the teenager was attacked by a group of youths at around 4.30pm on Wednesday (January 18). West Midlands Police are recovering CCTV from the area and have appealed for information and witnesses.

Ch Insp Richard Evans, of Birmingham Police, said: “This was an appalling attack on a young boy in the heart of the city centre. We quickly put in place temporary powers, called section 60 powers, giving us the ability to stop and search people without the normal need for us to have reasonable grounds.

“It’s not something we do lightly, but we did this to protect everyone visiting and working in the city centre. We’re considering using those powers again today to continue to keep people safe, and will share the results so that they be scrutinised.

“We’ll continue to have officers in the city centre today to reassure people, while we continue to work with partners to reduce knife crime in the West Midlands.”

People with information should contact the police via Live Chat on West Midlands Police website or by calling 101 quoting log number 2795 of 18 January. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A spokeswoman from West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 4.41pm to an incident on Stephenson Place, Birmingham along with police colleagues.

“An ambulance, paramedic officer, a MERIT trauma doctor and critical care paramedic responded to the scene.”