"This is a tragic case of a young man being killed"
A 17-year-old boy was stabbed to death in Birmingham city centre in what is believed to have been a case of mistaken identity.
The victim has been named as Muhammad Hassam Ali.
Police said the teenager was discovered with severe knife wounds in Victoria Square at around 3:30 pm on January 20, 2024.
Authorities suspect that his death resulted from a case of mistaken identity.
West Midlands Police detectives are actively searching for the perpetrator, and Muhammad’s family has released a photograph to aid in the investigation.
Although the stabbing is not thought to be gang-related, the motive remains unknown, and no arrests have been made at this time.
Detective Inspector Michelle Thurgood said: “This is a tragic case of a young man being killed in what appears to be a case of mistaken identity.
“We are still trying to establish the motive and are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area just before 3:30 pm yesterday.
“We are especially looking for any photos or video footage from the surrounding area which may help us identify those responsible.
“If you were walking through the area at the time, or a visitor who may have been taking pictures by The River statue near the Council House, we would like to hear from you as you may have vital information or evidence.”
The cordoned-off area in the square, where Birmingham’s city council building is located, has now been reopened.
However, the police have announced an increased presence in the vicinity.
Law enforcement officials are currently examining CCTV footage and have established a public portal for the submission of any photos or videos related to the incident as part of their investigation.
Chief Inspector James Spencer said:
“The life of a 17-year-old boy has tragically been taken away and all our thoughts are with his family and friends at this awful time.”
“It’s very early stages in the investigation, but we have a team of skilled detectives who are working to identify and arrest whoever did this.
“We fully understand the shock and concern this will cause, and although it is being treated as an isolated incident, a visible police presence will remain across the city centre.”
Police said they wanted to hear from anyone who walked through the area at the time or who may have been taking pictures by The River statue near the Council House as they may have “vital information or evidence”.
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