Man Appears in Court Following Serious City Centre Assault
A 21-year-old man has been formally charged with attempted murder following a violent stabbing in the heart of Birmingham. Djeison Rafael, a black British national, is accused of attacking a woman in her 30s, leaving her with a critical neck injury.
Police Appeal for Witnesses After Friday Night Attack
Officers from West Midlands Police were called to Smallbrook Queensway shortly before 9pm on Friday, 7 November. They discovered a woman with a serious stab wound to her neck. The victim was rushed to hospital, where she remains in a critical condition.
The force has confirmed that Rafael faces additional charges related to two further assaults and possession of a blade. At the time of the incident, he was reportedly wearing a grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers, and a rucksack.
Home Secretary Expresses Shock Over "Unprovoked Attack"
The incident has drawn a response from the highest levels of government. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who is also a Member of Parliament for a Birmingham constituency, took to social media to express her dismay.
She wrote on X: "I am shocked to hear a woman was stabbed in Birmingham in an unprovoked attack. My thoughts are with the victim, her family and friends." She also praised the police for their "swift efforts" in making an arrest and urged any witnesses to come forward by calling 101.
West Midlands Police continue their inquiries and are keen to hear from anyone with information about the incident or Rafael's movements. Djeison Rafael is due to appear before Birmingham magistrates on Saturday, 8 November.
