Sutton Coldfield stabbing: Man charged with attempted murder of pregnant woman

Babur Karamat Raja, aged 41 from Sutton Coldfield, has been remanded in custody and will appear before Birmingham Magistrates tomorrow after the woman was stabbed in the town centre on Friday.

Raja, whom police say was known to the 40-year-old victim, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, assault, attempted child destruction and possession of a knife in a public place.

Police said the woman was in a stable condition in hospital and her baby girl, who she gave birth to in hospital, continues to do well.

Officers were yesterday granted extra time to question Raja and charged him this morning.

The family of the victim said in a statement: "We'd all like to express our heartfelt thanks to everybody who helped her on Friday afternoon. Your fearlessness and selfless actions saved both their lives and we are overwhelming grateful to you all.

"We have no further comment to make and we'd ask you to respect our privacy at this difficult time."

Officers continue to appeal for information to help them determine the circumstances surrounding this incident and are asking anyone who may have any information to contact Detective Inspector Ian Ingram on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org