A man has been charged with attempted murder after a woman was stabbed in the neck in Birmingham city centre.
The woman, who is in her 30s, is fighting for her life after what police believe was “unprovoked attack”.
Djeison Rafael, 21, has been charged with attempted murder as well as two further assaults and possession of a blade, West Midlands Police said.
The Home Secretary has said she was “shocked” by the incident and said her “thoughts are with the victim, her family and friends”.
West Midlands Police were called to Smallbrook Queensway, Birmingham, shortly before 9pm on Friday after reports of a stabbing.
The woman suffered a “serious neck injury”, and she remains in hospital in critical condition.
Rafael was arrested near the scene and was wearing a grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers and rucksack, the force said as it appealed for further information.
He is due to appear before magistrates in Birmingham on Monday.
“I thank the police for their swift action to arrest a suspect. I urge any witnesses to contact West Midlands Police,” home secretary Shabana Mahmood said in a post on X.
Detective Inspector James Nix said: “We believe this was an unprovoked attack and are working to understand why it happened.
“We will have officers in the area today to continue our investigation and provide reassurance.
“We are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”
In a statement released on Saturday, the force added: “A man is in custody after a stabbing in Birmingham last night.
“We were called to Smallbrook Queensway shortly before 9pm after reports of a stabbing.
“A woman in her 30s was taken to hospital with a serious neck injury, where she remains in a critical condition.
“A man in his 20s was arrested close to the scene and is in custody at this time.
“Our officers are at the scene carrying out enquiries as we try to establish the exact circumstances of what happened.”
Witnesses or anyone with information have been asked to contact West Midlands Police by calling 101 and quoting log 5503 of November 7.
