unprovoked

A woman is in a critical condition after being stabbed in the neck in an “unprovoked attack” in Birmingham city centre.

A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the attack on Friday night.

West Midlands Police said officers were called to Smallbrook Queensway shortly before 21:00 GMT.

A woman in her 30s suffered a serious neck injury and is in hospital in a critical condition, the force said.

It said a man was arrested close to the scene and remained in custody.

Officers are currently carrying out inquiries near the scene, which is in an extremely busy part of the city centre near to the Bullring shopping centre.

A police tent remains on the pavement, just outside the Bullring and opposite the main entrance to New Street railway station.

“We believe this was an unprovoked attack and are working to understand why it happened,” said Det Insp James Nix.

“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.”

The force has appealed for witnesses, and urged anyone who knows more to contact 101.

St Martin’s Queensway westbound has been closed from Moor Street Queensway to Smallbrook Queensway.

Buses are being diverted onto Moor Street.

The cordon is expected to be in place all day, the BBC has been told.