Birmingham murder: Boys held over 'mistaken identity' killing

Police believe Muhammad Hassam Ali was not the intended target

Two 15-year-old boys have been arrested for the murder of a teenager in Birmingham city centre.

Muhammad Hassam Ali, 17, was stabbed in Victoria Square just before 15:30 GMT on Saturday.

Police said the boys were arrested on Tuesday morning in a "significant update" in their investigation.

Detectives said the attack was not thought to be gang-related and was believed to be a case of mistaken identity.

The investigation is ongoing and the two boys will be questioned by detectives, the police force has said.

Det Insp Michelle Thurgood said: "Our thoughts remain with the friends and family of Muhammad who continue to receive support from us at this devastating time.

"The arrests are a significant update in this investigation, and we hope this provides some reassurance to people in Birmingham."

Police were called to Victoria Square at about 15:30 GMT

She said the force was keen to speak to anyone who was in the area on Saturday shortly before the attack.

"A visible police presence will remain in the city centre today to help reassure the public and we will be patrolling the area and speaking to people. Please talk to them if you have any concerns," Det Insp Thurgood added.

A Wolverhampton mother whose son was stabbed to death in a case of mistaken identity has since spoken of her hurt at hearing of the death of Muhammad.

Pooja Kanda's son, Ronan, was 16 when he was fatally stabbed just yards from his home on Mount Road after going to buy a PlayStation controller from a friend.

Ronan Kanda was stabbed to death in Wolverhampton in June 2022 in a case of mistaken identity

Ms Kanda warned that unless action was taken: "We will keep losing innocent children - we shouldn't be normalising this behaviour."

The bereaved mother said Muhammad and his family deserved justice.