Hyde Housing has issued a statement confirming that Stephen Clarke, a 32-year-old resident of its specialist supported accommodation in Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, died in the early hours of Saturday, August 8, following a stabbing. The housing group, based in Handsworth, also confirmed that Joseph Cargill, 20, who was also a resident, has been charged with murder.
Incident Details and Emergency Response
Emergency services were called to reports of a stabbing shortly after midnight. West Midlands Ambulance Service dispatched two ambulances, two paramedic officers, a MERIT trauma doctor with a Critical Care Paramedic, and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance Critical Care Car. Despite advanced life support being administered, Mr Clarke was pronounced dead at the scene.
An ambulance service spokesman said: “We were called to reports of a stabbing on Chester Road at 12.24am on Saturday 8th August. On arrival we discovered one patient, a man. He was found to have suffered serious injuries and ambulance staff immediately began administering advanced life support. Sadly, despite their best efforts it became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.”
Housing Group's Response and Support
Terri Charlton, manager at Hyde Housing, offered her thoughts and condolences to Mr Clarke’s family. She said: “Hyde Housing can confirm that Stephen Clarke, a resident on Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, tragically died in the early hours of Saturday morning, and that fellow resident, Joseph Cargill, has been charged with his murder. Everyone at Hyde Housing would like to pass on our thoughts and condolences to Stephen’s family, and friends, at this very sad time, and we are currently assisting West Midlands Police with its investigations.”
Charlton also highlighted the organisation's role: “Hyde Housing is a specialist provider of supported housing. We have a strong reputation for taking a holistic approach to supporting often vulnerable people and was recently awarded a Birmingham Voluntary Service Council Gold Award for meeting high-quality standards by Birmingham City Council.”
Legal Proceedings and Police Appeal
West Midlands Police confirmed Cargill has been charged with murder. In a statement, the force said: “We have charged a man with murder following the death of a man in Birmingham this weekend. Joseph Cargill, 20, was charged today after Stephen Clarke, who was 32, was fatally stabbed in Chester Road in the early hours of Saturday morning. Cargill was remanded in custody to appear before magistrates in Birmingham tomorrow morning (Monday). Our investigation into the incident continues and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time. Mr Clarke's family have requested their privacy be respected at this time. If you know anything, get in touch via 101 quoting crime number 20/355036/26.”
Birmingham Magistrates’ Court confirmed Cargill has been remanded in custody to next appear at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday, August 12. Flowers and a card have been left at the scene in Chester Road, opposite Oscott College, where the incident occurred.
