Birmingham Bus Stabbing: Man Sectioned

7 March 2013, 10:04 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A suspect arrested on suspicion of murdering 16-year-old Christina Edkins in Birmingham has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

He will now be sent to a secure facility after the latest assessment by mental health professionals deemed him unfit to be interviewed any further by detectives.

The 22-year-old has been regularly assessed by medical experts throughout his time in police custody.

Christina was stabbed once in the chest while on the number 9 bus on Birmingham's Hagley Road just after 7:30am on the 7th of March.

Meanwhile, several people have come forward following an appeal earlier this afternoon by Detective Superintendent Richard Baker, who revealed that officers had only spoken to half of the 16 people who were on board the bus.

Some of those witnesses were on board at the time of the attack, whilst others, who had been out and about in Birmingham, felt they had crucial information to assist the inquiry.

Det Supt. Baker said: "Despite this latest development, the investigation continues and we still need to hear from anyone who has not yet come forward.

"I want to reiterate that we're not looking for anyone else in connection with Christina's murder.''

"The family, who are still extremely distressed, have been kept up to date with the progress of the investigation. We continue to support them at this very difficult time."

Anyone with information to assist the investigation should Call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Here's Detective Superintendent Richard Baker speaking earlier in the day (8th March)

The stabbing came a month after Christina voiced concerns about a fellow passenger on another bus journey. On February 8 she told friends on Twitter: ''This man is worrying me on the bus keeps getting up and walking up and down stairs, and sitting in different places.''

The teenager was a pupil at Leasowes High School in Halesowen. The headteacher at Christina's school, Neil Shaw said: "Christina was a bright and popular student much loved by staff and students alike.

We are deeply saddened to hear this tragic news and our thoughts and hearts go out to her family and everyone who knew her.

The school is working closely with the police and a team of counsellors to provide support to our pupils and staff."