Teenager stabbed in neck with glass bottle in Great Barr
A 15-year-old boy was stabbed in the neck with a glass bottle in a street in Great Barr on Friday afternoon, with witnesses describing how the victim dropped to the floor. The attack took place on Thornbridge Avenue shortly after 3.30pm on July 10, near Arena Academy. A 15-year-old suspect has been arrested.
Witness describes chaotic scene
Chris Walker, 58, who lives opposite the incident, rushed to help. He said: 'I saw one lad on a scooter wearing a balaclava. He called over a lot of lads from school – around 10 of them. Then it went off within a second or two. I saw a glass bottle being thrown and it cut him on the side of the neck.' Walker applied pressure to the wound with a jacket until emergency services arrived. He added: 'There were hundreds of people there and all the traffic.'
Emergency response and hospitalisation
West Midlands Ambulance Service was called at 3.36pm and sent an ambulance and a critical care car. A spokesman said: 'On arrival we discovered one male patient. They were treated for injuries not believed to be serious before being taken to hospital.' The victim's injuries were not life-threatening.
Arrest made, police investigation ongoing
West Midlands Police arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of violent disorder. A police spokesperson said: 'We've arrested a teenager on suspicion of violent disorder after another teen was found injured in Thornbridge Road, Perry Barr, at just after 3.30pm today. The 15-year-old boy has been taken to hospital although his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and taken into custody for questioning as our enquiries continue.'
Road closed, bus services diverted
Thornbridge Avenue was cordoned off by police. National Express West Midlands services 28 and 52 were diverted along Beeches Road due to the incident. Remains of medical kit, including a bandage and a blue medical glove, were seen on the ground near a lamppost where the victim fell.
