Stabbing of Big Issue vendors ‘not a random attack’

Wayne Lee Busst, 32, and Ian Watson Gladwish, 31, both from Birmingham, were stabbed in the city on Friday just before 1800 GMT.

A 23-year-old man was arrested shortly afterwards near the Odeon cinema in New Street and remains in police custody. West Midlands Police have been granted more time to question him.

One of the victims was found outside the Sainsbury’s store in Martineau Place while the second was found slumped yards away near Boots in Union Street.

Busy shopping street

Officers and passers-by administered emergency first aid on both men, but both were pronounced dead at the scene.

West Midlands Police, who have today released pictures of the two men, said hundreds of people may have witnessed the stabbings, which took place in a busy shopping street.

Detective Inspector Buck Rogers, who is leading the investigation, said: “We have had a fantastic response from the public so far and their information has proved vital to our investigation.

“Early inquiries suggest that this wasn’t random. The attacker appears to have known his victims.

“Our inquiries continue and if there is anyone who saw something on Friday evening and hasn’t yet come forward we urge them to call us now on 101.”

Founder of The Big Issue magazine John Bird condemned the double killing as “utterly senseless”.

‘Hard-working’

In a statement, Mr Bird said: “Myself and everyone at The Big Issue have been deeply saddened to hear the tragic news that two of our well-liked Birmingham-based vendors were stabbed to death in the city centre.

“We are struggling to make any sense of this utterly senseless attack, and our sincerest condolences go out to the families of the victims.

“This awful crime, perpetrated against two hard-working, mild-mannered men only serves to illustrate the extreme vulnerability of people who live and work on the streets, which is why we at The Big Issue are constantly striving to create opportunities which will help our vendors to get off the streets and out of harm’s way.

“We are truly devastated that these two individuals have been deprived of just such a future.”