Police have released footage of a man they want to speak to in connection to the Birmingham stabbings that left one person dead and seven others injured.
West Midlands Police launched an investigation on Sunday following the attacks, which took place between 12.30am and 2.20am.
A 23-year-old man suffered fatal injuries in Irving Street, police said, while a man and a woman, aged 19 and 32, suffered critical injuries in other parts of the city.
Five other people, aged between 23 and 33, were also injured. They were treated in hospital and so far two have been discharged.
Four scenes have been held throughout Sunday and forensic experts have examined each area, police added.
Chief superintendent Steve Graham said: “We do not underestimate the impact that these incidents have had on the city of Birmingham today. We declared this a major incident at the earliest opportunity and we have drafted in scores of officers to help with the investigation and patrol the city to reassure residents and visitors that we are doing all we can to apprehend the person responsible.
“We have worked throughout the day to trawl CCTV footage and speak to witnesses to ensure we release the best possible video and image of the man we want to speak to.
“At this stage we believe that the attacks were random and we have no indication of a motive. I would urge people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to us.
“We are appealing for anyone who recognises the man in the footage to contact us urgently. We have a hotline number and a dedicated web page where you can submit information, photos and videos. If you see him, please do not approach him, but dial 999 immediately.”
Police said there was no suggestion the stabbings were terror-related, motivated by hate or were gang-related.
David Jamieson, the West Midlands Police and Crime commissioner, warned said the stabbings followed a surge in violent crime across the region over the past weeks and months.
He warned wake that a rise in violence was “almost inevitable” because of the coronavirus lockdown.
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“I have been saying for some time, in the context of Covid-19, that a lot of the pent-up feelings of people have, and not being able to get out, and combine that with people who are now unsure about their future and about their jobs, it was almost inevitable that we would see a growth in violence,” Mr Jamieson said on Sunday.
“I’m not saying that this is directly related to that, but nevertheless we are seeing now a growth of violence among younger people, particularly younger males, we’re seeing that growing across the region.
“My fear is that if we don’t address that and some of the underlying problems with some urgency then we could see that grow.
“But, notwithstanding that, Birmingham is a good place, it’s a good place to be, it’s a safe city and it is regrettable that this awful incident happened last night.”
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