Words by Erdington Local editorial team / Pics taken from archive
Police have made a quick arrest after a vicious knife attack during a “disorder” on Erdington High Street put a man in hospital in a “life threatening condition.”
Officers were called an incident near Six Ways Island at 5.10pm yesterday (Thursday, 20 June) following reports of fighting at the top end of the High Street.
Arriving at the scene, officers found a man with knife wounds who was immediately rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.
A few hours after the stabbing a man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and possessing a bladed article.
An immediate investigation began, with officers knocking on doors and closing parts of the High Street off the public. Parts of the busy retail area remained cordoned off overnight as forensic officers continued to collect evidence.
A statement from West Midlands Police said: “We’ve arrested a man after being called to reports of a disorder on Erdington High Street at about 5.10pm today.
“Officers attended and found a man who had suffered a knife injury. He was taken to hospital where we understand he’s in a life-threatening condition.
“A short time later officers arrested a man on suspicion of wounding with intent and possession of a bladed article.
“Part of Erdington High Street has been cordoned off as we remain at the scene, with forensic experts examining the area.”
The police added: “Officers are reviewing CCTV and carrying out door-to-door enquiries as the investigation continues.
“Anyone with information or footage can contact us via Live Chat or by calling 101, quoting log 3798 of 20 June.”
The stabbing on 20 June is yet another violent incident on Erdington High Street this month, as the once busy throughfare becomes more and more synonymous with crime and anti-social behaviour.
On 7 June another man was found with “life threatening injuries” after officers discovered the victim near Harrison Road during a routine patrol.
Last Wednesday, 12 June, another man was arrested in connection with a robbery and reports were made a man seen “threatening people with a hammer”.
Following the attack yesterday, social media was flooded with residents concerned about rising crime in the wake of another violent attack.
Eileen Monaghan said: “Yet another stabbing on the High St. When are the authorities going to go something about the open drug dealing and drinking on the High Street?”
She added: “There is a PSPO Public Space Protection order on the High Street yet not enforced. Why not?
“Are the police are too afraid the walk the High St or is there too much paperwork for them to fill out?”
West Midlands Police have asked the anyone with information or footage that might help their investigation into the attack on 20 June can contact the force via Live Chat – or by calling 101 and quoting log 3798 of 20 June.
