Businesses and residents shocked after daylight Oldbury stabbing

Emergency services, including an air ambulance, descended on Church Street shortly after midday on Thursday, July 2, with a police cordon remaining in place as officers continued their investigation.

A 19-year-old man was taken to hospital with injuries believed to be life-threatening.

A staff member at The Fish & Chip Shop on Church Street said he heard commotion outside the business at around midday but did not witness the attack itself.

He said: "There were lots of people down the road. I saw police, ambulances and an air ambulance.

"We are still open but this will hurt our business. People may not think we are open because of the cordon. It will stop people coming in and even ordering takeaways. This will not be good for us."

Nearby businesses were also affected by the police response.

The White Swan pub told customers on social media that its front entrance had been closed because of the incident, but encouraged people to use the rear entrance while the cordon remained in place. The Court of Requests pub was also forced to close its entrance on Market Street.

Residents and regulars in nearby pubs described a sense of disbelief that such a serious incident had happened in the middle of the day.

Customers at The Court of Requests pub said they had heard the victim was "fighting for their life" following the stabbing.

One local said the incident had left many people unsettled.

He said: "Crime is one thing, you come to understand that crime happens, but things like this used to happen at night. Now they happen in broad daylight in front of people.

"There are a lot of old people who come shopping around here and this has happened right out in the open in front of them."

West Midlands Ambulance Service said it was called to Church Street at 12.11pm and sent an ambulance, a paramedic officer, the WMAS critical care car and the Midlands Air Ambulance to the scene.

A spokeswoman said: "Upon arrival, ambulance staff found one patient, a man who was assessed and had sustained potentially life-threatening injuries.

"He received advanced trauma care from ambulance staff at the scene before being conveyed to hospital via land for further treatment."

West Midlands Police remain at the scene as enquiries continue and have appealed for anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.

A statement from the force read: “We are in the very early stages of our investigation and officers remain on scene carrying out enquiries and speaking to people in the area.

“We know this will be worrying for residents in the local area, so would encourage anyone with any concerns to speak to one of our patrolling officers.

“If you have any information that could help our investigation, call 101 quoting incident number 2404 of 2 July.

“Alternatively, you can make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”