UK: Schoolgirl stabbed to death on Birmingham bus

USPA News - A young girl on her way to school was stabbed to death Thursday on a bus in the British city of Birmingham, local authorities said, prompting a major manhunt for the attacker. A 22-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of murder.

The incident happened at around 7:35 a.m. local time on Thursday when a man attacked a 16-year-old girl on a packed double-decker bus as it stood next to a bus stop on one of Birmingham`s busiest roads. It is believed the attacker had already been on the bus when the victim got on board. Officers and ambulance crews rushed to the scene after a member of the public called emergency services, but it was clear nothing could be done to save the victim and she was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident forced road closures during rush hour, causing traffic chaos in the area. "This is a tragic case and the victim`s family are devastated," said Detective Superintendent Richard Baker of West Midlands Police. He described the suspected knifeman as a black man wearing dark-colored clothing with a tiger`s head or other large motif printed on the back. He may also have been carrying a bag. The brutal murder sparked a major manhunt for the attacker, with local police supported by police dog handlers, firearms officers, and transport police. A man acting suspiciously and who matched the description of the suspect was arrested several hours later after a short footchase. Police said the suspect, identified only as a 22-year-old man, was being held on suspicion of murder and is being questioned by officers. Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department, working alongside Forensic Scene Investigators, said they were looking at CCTV systems which may have captured the incident on camera. It is believed Thursday`s attack was at random and that the victim, identified as Christina Edkins, was not deliberately targeted. Neil Shaw, the headteacher at the victim`s school, said the school is working with police and a team of counselors to provide support to students and staff. "Christina was a bright and popular student much loved by staff and students alike," he said. "We are deeply saddened to hear this tragic news and our thoughts and hearts go out to her family and everyone who knew her."