Oldbury stabbing: 13-year-old boy stabbed to death in his own home | UK | News

A 13-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in the West Midlands on Thursday was murdered in his own home, police confirmed.

At this time, West Midlands Police have again appealed for information as the killers are still at large.

The boy was pronounced dead at his home on Lovett Avenue in Oldbury at around 4pm on Thursday afternoon.

Chief Superintendent Kim Madill, head of Sandwell Police Station, said: “We know the incident took place at his home and I appeal to anyone with relevant information to come forward.”

“I am here to let the family and the wider community know that we will work with you and support you as we try to find out who is responsible for the death of this little boy.

“We have a team of detectives investigating exactly what happened. And we are pursuing active lines of inquiry to find the suspects.

“We will have local officers and youth workers in the area over the coming days, so please speak to them directly if you have any concerns or would like to pass on any information to us.

“We have set up an online portal through which people can send us information as we continue our investigation. My personal request today is: If you have any information, no matter how small, please send it to us.

“Here you can send any video surveillance or doorbell recordings directly to us by clicking on a link you will find below.”

Paramedics, who had tried in vain to save the boy's life, called the police to the scene of the accident, where he was pronounced dead.

Ms Madill added: “This is a truly sad and tragic incident in which a young boy has lost his life.

“First and foremost, my thoughts and those of everyone involved in the investigation into this young boy's death are with his family and loved ones. I know this will also have had a huge impact on the wider public who will be shocked and concerned by what has happened.

“I am grateful to our officers who attended the address and assisted the paramedics in their futile attempt to save his young life.”

In 2023, the West Midlands had the highest rate of knife crime in England and Wales, with many offenders and victims being teenagers.

A woman from the estate, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was “shocked” when she heard of the boy's death.

She said: “I always saw him playing in the street. They were always playing outside.

“It's getting worse and worse. I've never experienced anything like this before.”

Dudley councillor Caroline Reid, whose own brother was killed in 1998, told the BBC: “I came here to pay my respects and lay flowers,” she said at the scene.

“I experienced it myself and even though it was 26 years ago, it still feels like it was yesterday and you are reliving it.”

Anyone with information is asked to come forward via live chat or 101 quoting log 3204 of 29/08/24.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.