Neighbours shocked as teenager, toddler and woman injured after 'attempted stab murder'

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the alleged knife attacks happened at addresses in Smethwick and in Birmingham on Tuesday.

A 19-year-old man was found with serious stab injuries at an address in Hales Lane, Smethwick at 6.30pm and taken to hospital where his condition was last night described as stable.

Neighbours in the leafy area off Thimblemill Road yesterday spoke of their surprise and worry, as forensic teams combed the area for clues until late in the afternoon.

Student Tatiana Knappova has lived in the area for just over a year after moving from Oxfordshire.

She said: "I think it's scary. Especially as a woman walking alone at night you think about these things.

"When I was in Oxford these type of things didn't seem to happen."

Ward councillor Linda Horton added: "I am very surprised to hear this, particularly in that area as it's a nice quiet area normally."

Brian Berford, aged 63, is retired and lives nearby.

He said: "I didn't know what was happening, just that there was police at both ends of the road. I used to live opposite to where I think it happened.

"Nothing like this has ever happened here in my memory and I've lived here all my life."

And fellow retiree Ronald Cockings, aged 86, added: "I'm not terrified just surprised because it's a quiet area."

A girl, who wished not to be named, said she was concerned by the incident, commenting: "It is quite frightening but a while back we had a man die just down the road so it seems to happen every so often.

"I have younger sisters who play outside and things so it is a concern."

Meanwhile a 35-year-old woman and a two-year-old child were found at a house in Penley Grove in Washwood Heath, east Birmingham at 8.25pm on the same night and taken to hospital.

Yesterday the woman remained in a serious condition with stab wounds, while the child, who had suffered minor head injuries and was not stabbed, was later discharged from hospital.

Officers said that a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with both incidents – and was being questioned by detectives last night.

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Chisholm, from West Midlands Police, said: "The investigation is at an early stage but it is believed to be a targeted attack with no risk to the wider public."

Witnesses have been urged to contact police on 101 – quoting log 2044 and 1873.