Attempted murder charge over Birmingham stab attack

A police tent covered the spot where the attack happened, close to the city's Bullring shopping centre

A man has been charged with attempted murder after a woman was stabbed in the neck in Birmingham city centre.

Djeison Rafael, 21, is accused of the attack outside the Bullring shopping centre, and is also charged with two counts of assault and possession of a blade.

The woman was attacked on Smallbrook Queensway, shortly before 21:00 GMT on Friday.

The victim, in her 30s, is said to be in a critical condition in hospital.

West Midlands Police said Mr Rafael, who they described as a black British national, had been remanded to appear before magistrates in Birmingham on Monday.

In a statement, the force said: "We are continuing our inquiries and are keen to hear from anyone who knows more about what happened."

The suspect was wearing an "all grey tracksuit, black hat, trainers and rucksack at the time of the incident", the statement adds.

Throughout Saturday a police tent remained on the pavement, just outside the Bullring and opposite the main entrance to New Street, and a cordon remained in place.