A community campaigner has described the 'massive shock' felt by residents after a man was seriously injured in a stabbing on a 'forgotten' Birmingham estate. The victim, aged in his 20s, was attacked on Frankley Beeches Road in the Allens Cross area of Longbridge at around 10.45pm on April 24. He remains in hospital while detectives continue to investigate, speaking to residents and reviewing CCTV footage to identify the suspects.
Residents Left Nervous
Paul Smith, a local activist and independent candidate for the Allens Cross ward in the upcoming local elections, said the incident has left the community stunned. 'I’ve had a couple of residents reach out, asking if I knew anything. There’s a lot of shock, really, yeah, (people are) a little bit nervous,' he said. Smith noted that while the area typically experiences low-level crime such as motorbike nuisance and anti-social behaviour, this stabbing is unprecedented and deeply concerning.
Calls for More Police Presence
Smith highlighted that residents have long complained about insufficient police patrols in the neighbourhood. Drug-related issues are prevalent, with a 'camp' discovered near the Allens Cross and Merritts Brook area, and shoplifting is a problem on the nearby Northfield High Street. 'We hardly see any police,' Smith said, adding that two community meetings held late last year were well-attended but yielded few answers or feedback from authorities. He described the community as feeling 'a bit forgotten in Allen's Cross.'
West Midlands Police have appealed for information, urging anyone with details to call 101 or use the Live Chat on their website, quoting log 6183 of 24 April. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
