Teen stabbed to death in terrifying park attack as murder investigation launched
A teenager has been stabbed to death in Wolverhampton with a murder investigation launched by police.
The incident took place at the city’s West Park on Thursday afternoon (March 7). Police were called to the scene by paramedics shortly before 4.30pm and the teen was pronounced dead a short time later. West Midlands Police said enquiries were at a "very early stage" as it urged witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Forensic officers were working at the scene late into the night.
Chief Superintendent Richard Fisher, of Wolverhampton Police, said: "It's absolutely tragic that we have lost another young life to knife crime. Our enquiries are at a very early stage, and we have detectives working flat out to find whoever is responsible and bring them into custody as soon as possible."
Forensic officers were seen heading inside the park yesterday evening as they looked to recover any evidence. The incident support vehicle was seen leaving shortly before 10pm last night and there remained four unmarked police vans close to the entrance to the park.
City of Wolverhampton Council has said that the park is currently closed to the public. It wrote on X: "Please be aware that, following the tragic incident in West Park yesterday afternoon, the park is currently closed to the public."
Mourners gather at purple-themed vigil to remember girl, 15, stabbed to deathA statement from the police read: "We've launched a murder investigation following the death of a teenager who was stabbed in Wolverhampton's West Park this afternoon. We were called to the scene by paramedics just before 4.30pm, but sadly he was declared dead a short time later. We are working to confirm his identity. Our enquiries are at an early stage, and we are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch."
It added: "Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via Live Chat or 101, quoting log 3259 of 7 March. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
A 36-year-old woman, who lives by the park, told BirminghamLive: "I just think it's horrific that it's happening on our doorstep. A girl was stabbed in the park a few years ago. I've lived here most of my life and felt it was safe until the earlier incident. Everyone around here is friendly it's a very multicultural area, everyone looks out for each I'm beyond shocked this has occurred. What worries me is the future for the youth."
Another passer-by said: "When I came home from work, I saw all the police. I was on jury service earlier this year. This brings it all back. It's so sad." A local shopkeeper said 'we are not surprised' after hearing about the tragic incident. He again referenced the tragic death of 14-year-old Viktorija Sokolova, who was raped and murdered in the same park in 2018.
Many people have taken to social media to offer their condolences. One person wrote on Facebook: "Thoughts with the family," another said: "Condolences go to the family…. Another child taken too soon," and a further stated: "So sad a young life taken away by another knife. My thoughts are with the teenagers family and friends."