Words & pics by Ed King
A father and son have been charged with murder after the fatal stabbing of a man at a house on Cadbury Drive, Castle Vale, at around 1pm on Monday 13 March.
Ahmad Alsino (42) and Bashar Alsino (20) were scheduled to appear at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday 15, also facing charges for the attempted murder of another man and assault.
A statement issued by West Midlands Police told: “We have charged two people with murder after a stabbing at an address in Birmingham.
“Ahmad Alsino, aged 42, and his son Bashar Alsino, aged 20, have been charged after two men were stabbed at an address in Cadbury Drive, Castle Vale.
“A 56-year-old man was found with stab wounds and despite the best efforts of emergency services, was pronounced dead at the scene. A 27-year-old man remains in a critical condition in hospital.
“Both men have also been charged with attempted murder and assault.
“A 21-year-old woman has been released on police bail while further enquiries are carried out.”
Shocking scenes unfurled on Castle Vale on Monday afternoon, after emergency services were called to the quiet streets by the Castle Pool leisure centre, with reports seeing six squad cars, ambulance crews, and a police helicopter.
But thanks to the speedy response from West Midlands Police, the offenders were caught shortly after feeling the scene – tracked down to Chatham Road in Northfield.
Police were also quick to assure local residents they believed the incident to be a “targeted attack” and did not expect to see further aggression or violence on the street of the North Birmingham estate.
Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin (Lab) further called for “calm” as the police began to conduct their investigation on Monday.
Cllr Goodwin, who also works supporting the Castle Vale community as CEO of Spitfire Advice and Support Services, added: “Castle Vale is full good and decent residents, and this is not a representation of this amazing community.”
In a further statement issued today, Chief Inspector Dave Sanders from West Midlands Police Homicide Team added: “Our thoughts are with the family, who are being supported by specialist officers at this very difficult time.
“We would like to reassure people in the neighbourhood that this was an isolated incident and is not gang-related.
“Our neighbourhood teams have been carrying out reassurance patrols and meeting with community leaders to provide support.
“We understand what happened might have shocked people in the surrounding area and we would again urge residents not to panic or fuel speculation until the conclusion of the court case.”
West Midlands Police are continuing their investigation and have called for any members of the public who may have useful information to get in touch.
The force previously stated: “Anyone with information should contact us via Live Chat on our website quoting log 1841 of 13/3.”