Murder probe as woman stabbed in Blackheath

A woman was stabbed to death in broad daylight outside a pub in the Black Country, sparking a murder probe.

The victim, who was aged in her 20s, was stabbed in High Street, Blackheath.

A 39-year-old man has been arrested overnight on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody and was being questioned by detectives today.

The woman's identity has not yet been formally revealed but she was named in the local community as Kerry Smith.

Police cordons remained in place around High Street outside the Malt Shovel pub and at an address in nearby Mincing Lane while forensic inquiries continue.

Today the house in Mincing Lane had a single police van outside with police tape cordoning off the front drive. In High Street there was a police cordon from the Blackheath Conservative and Unionist Club down to The Knights Quest pub.

A police van was also parked next to the conservative club and at least six officers were stationed down the cordon.

Officers have been carrying out door-to-door inquiries in the area and have stepped up patrols in a bid to reassure residents.