Woman, 34, has died after being stabbed in the neck in Birmingham

A woman has died after being stabbed in the neck in Birmingham city centre on Friday night.

The 34-year-old, who has been named as Katie Fox, was taken to hospital after being stabbed on Smallbrook Queensway shortly before 9pm, but has since died in hospital, West Midlands Police have said.

Djeison Rafael, 21, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday morning, accused of murdering Ms Fox.

Rafael was told to be quiet and look forward as he interrupted the six-minute hearing multiple times.

West Midlands Police said in a statement: “We are still keen to hear from anyone who knows more about what happened or the movements of Rafael, who we believe was wearing an all-grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers and rucksack on Friday evening (7 November).”

Read more from Sky News:
Worst areas for uninsured driving revealed
Ofsted launches new school report card system

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on Sunday thanked the police’s “swift efforts” to arrest a suspect and urged witnesses to call 101.

She wrote on X: “I am shocked to hear a woman was stabbed in Birmingham in an unprovoked attack.

“My thoughts are with the victim, her family and friends.”