Man charged with attempted murder after woman stabbed in the neck in UK city centre

A man has been charged with attempted murder after a woman was stabbed in the neck in a bustling UK city centre in what was previously described by police as an "unprovoked attack". West Midlands Police said it has charged Djeison Rafael, 21, following an incident in Smallbrook Queensway near the Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham on Saturday night.

The incident resulted in a woman in her 30s taken to hospital with a serious neck injury. Rafael has also been charged with two further assaults and possession of a blade. He was wearing an all grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers and rucksack at the time of the incident. The suspect, who is a Black British national, has been remanded to appear before magistrates in Birmingham on Monday (November 10).

West Midlands Police said it is continuing its enquiries and urged for any potential witnesses to come forward with information.

The force said: "We are continuing our enquiries and are keen to hear from anyone who knows more about what happened or the movements of Rafael.

"Get in touch with us via 101 quoting log 5503 of 7 November or send in your evidence via our Major Incident Public Portal: Public Portal."

Police were called to Smallbrook Queensway shortly before 9pm on Friday after reports of a stabbing and arrested the suspect near the scene.

Detective Inspector James Nix said: "We believe this was an unprovoked attack and are working to understand why it happened.

"We will have officers in the area today to continue our investigation and provide reassurance. We are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with this incident."