Man arrested as Birmingham bus victim named

The teenager (pictured above) was stabbed after 7.30am on Thursday morning while on her way to school, and was named by police later that afternoon.

A 22-year-old man has been arrested near a Morrisons supermarket in the city after he was spotted acting suspiciously, police said.

Officers had launched a manhunt after the killing, and warned the public to be “vigilant”.

Detectives are also looking at identifying CCTV systems which may have captured the incident on camera.

A man was previously detained by police in connection with the stabbing but was later released without arrest.

The Hagley Road area of the city, close to the centre, was cordoned off on Thursday morning and officers remained at the scene.

Police – at this stage – do not believe the 22 yr old man arrested in Birmingham today was known to 16 yr old Christina Edkins

— Andy Davies (@adavies4) March 7, 2013

Police believe the 22yr old they’ve arrested was already on the bus when Christina Edkins got on. #Birmingham

— Andy Davies (@adavies4) March 7, 2013

‘Bright and popular’

Christina Edkins was a pupil at Leasowes High School in Halesowen.

Neil Shaw, headteacher, said: “Christina was a bright and popular student much loved by staff and students alike.

“We are deeply saddened to hear this tragic news and our thoughts and hearts go out to her family and everyone who knew her. The school is working closely with the police and a team of counsellors to provide support to our pupils and staff.”

Police said that Christina’s family were being supported by family liaison officers.

Det Supt Rich Baker, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is a tragic case and the victim’s family are devastated”.

Police said at the moment, they did not believe that the victim was known to the attacker.

A tweet sent from what is believed to be the victim’s account on 8 February said she was worried about a man on the bus she was travelling on.

“This man is worrying me on the bus keeps getting up and walking up and down stairs, and sitting in different place:|”, she said.

This man is worrying me on the bus keeps getting up and walking up and down stairs, and sitting in different place :|

— Christina (@ChristinaEdkins) February 8, 2013

Mr Baker said police were investigating the possibility that the murder was a random attack, adding: “We’re looking at a number of motives at the moment.”

West Midlands Police said their officers had “flooded the scene” but cautioned that the investigation was “at its very early stages”.

Police were alerted to the incident after the bus driver reported that one of the passengers had been injured.

The police previously issued their own video appeal for information from Det Supt Baker (shown below)

West Midlands Ambulance Service said it was called to an emergency on board a bus in Edgbaston shortly after 7.35am.

A spokesperson said that one person was confirmed dead at the scene.

“A senior paramedic officer in a rapid response vehicle, two Basics (British Association for Immediate Care) emergency medics and two ambulance crews attended,” he added.

Witnesses to the attack were asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.