Woman killed in city centre was 'a shining light'

Katie Fox died a few days after being stabbed in the neck at a Birmingham bus stop in an unprovoked attack

The family of a woman who was fatally stabbed in the neck at a bus stop in Birmingham say she was the "shining light in their lives".

Katie Fox, 34, was targeted in Smallbrook Queensway, just outside the Bullring shopping centre, shortly before 21:00 GMT on Friday, before dying in hospital on Monday.

Djeison Rafael, of Birmingham, has been charged with her murder and earlier appeared at the city's crown court, via video link from HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire.

In a tribute issued via the police, Ms Fox's family said she was "special in every way" and "everything a daughter could be and much more".

'Special and gentle'

"Gone too soon dear Katie, so beautiful and kind," they said.

"A part of us was snatched away on that very fateful night, a part of us also vanished suddenly, when you passed away, leaving us all with such sadness and heartache.

"Your loss to us has been so hard to bear and so hard to comprehend, but we know that you are still with us and giving us the strength in every way. You are our guardian angel.

"God bless you Katie, our special and gentle daughter."

Ms Fox's family also thanked everyone who had shown them support, as well as the paramedics, police, and ITU team at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, "for their professionalism and companionship."

The attack happened opposite the main entrance to Birmingham New Street station

At his court appearance, Mr Rafael sat forward, getting up briefly at one point before returning to his seat.

Psychiatric reports

Wearing a grey jumper, the 21-year-old, of Rosedale Avenue in Smethwick, spoke only to confirm his name, during the 15-minute hearing in front of Judge Simon Drew.

Prosecution counsel Michael Brady said the trial, expected to last two weeks, would be heard in front of a High Court judge and a date was set for 5 May.

The court heard psychiatric reports would need to be gathered before a trial began and the defendant was told by the judge he would next need to appear to enter pleas.

The judge said: "Mr Rafael, I am adjourning your case and it will next be listed on 16 January.

"You can attend by prison video link from whatever prison you are in. I know you have recently been transferred."

As well as the murder of Ms Fox, Mr Rafael is charged with two counts of causing actual bodily harm to Mariamo Sow on 27 October and to Hailing Du on 7 November as well as possession of a bladed article on 7 November and assaulting a detention escort officer on 8 November.

West Midlands Police has appealed for information from anyone who knows more about what happened.

Mr Rafael is also accused of two counts of actual bodily harm