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, 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.

The 21-year-old, of Rosedale Avenue in Smethwick, is also charged with two counts of causing actual bodily harm on 27 October and 7 November, possession of a Stanley blade on 7 November and assaulting a detention escort officer on 8 November.

The defendant was referred to crown court to enter his pleas as his offences were deemed too serious for the magistrates' court.

District Judge John Bristow told the defendant: "I'm going to send you and your charges to the crown court on November 12."

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)."

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Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on Saturday night thanked the police's "swift action" 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."

(c) Sky News 2025: Woman, 34, has died after being stabbed in the neck in Birmingham