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Alleged teenage murderer back in court over Smethwick stabbing

A teenager has appeared at crown court charged with the murder of Karl Gallagher who was stabbed to death in Smethwick.

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Karl Gallagher

Tyrell Harris, of Helvellyn Way, West Bromwich, appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court today after an appearance at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The 19-year-old was remanded in custody ahead of another hearing on June 18.

Three other men arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on bail while the investigation continues.

Tributes at the scene where Mr Gallagher died

Three men arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have also been released pending investigation, as has a man arrested on suspicion of obstructing police.

Mr Gallagher died from a single stab wound to the chest after being knifed on the car park of West Cross Shopping Centre, Oldbury Road at around 4.40pm on Sunday.

The 31-year-old, from Smethwick, had a daughter and was described as a "proud and loving father" by his family.

Interactive map of the area:

He was one of four people stabbed in three West Midlands knife attacks in the space of 30 hours.

Police have been examining CCTV and mobile phone footage from the scene.

Anyone with video footage is asked not to share it online but to share it with police at mipp.police.uk/operation/20HQ19G37-PO1.

Timeline of knife attacks

  • Sunday, 2.40pm: Two teenagers injured in Solihull stabbing. One, a 16-year-old boy, is left critical after being knifed in the back. A 19-year-old man is also taken to hospital.

  • Sunday, 4.40pm: Karl Gallagher killed in Smethwick. Mr Gallagher, 31, is pronounced dead at West Cross Shopping Centre after being knifed in front of shoppers. Police and family members urge the public not to share shocking video footage of the attack which is posted online.

  • Monday, 6pm: Man knifed at Smethwick petrol station. A man is slashed in the arm on a petrol station forecourt 100 yards away from where Mr Gallagher was killed. Armed police surround and raid a house on nearby St Paul's Road.

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