Image issued of bus murder suspect (From Thurrock Gazette)
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Image issued of bus murder suspect
11:26am Friday 8th March 2013 in National News © Press Association 2013
Sixteen-year-old Christina Edkins was fatally stabbed on a bus in Birmingham
Detectives have released a picture of a man they want to talk to in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old schoolgirl on a bus.
The man, described as a black male in his early 20s who was wearing a distinctive "tiger" jacket, is believed to have been on buses in and around the Birmingham area around the time Christina Edkins was fatally stabbed on a double-decker in Hagley Road in the city.
Post-mortem tests have revealed that the teenager died from a single stab wound to the chest following the attack on the number 9 bus during the morning rush-hour on Thursday.
Police have urged anyone who saw the man, who was also carrying a white bag, between 6am and 1pm on Thursday, to contact them. They have also appealed for any passengers who were travelling on the bus, who they have not yet spoken to, to contact them.
Sixteen people are believed to have been travelling on the bus when the stabbing happened, but only half have so far spoken to police.
A 22-year-old man arrested near the scene on Thursday is continuing to be questioned by detectives on suspicion of murder.
Detectives are investigating whether the "bright and popular" student was targeted in a random attack. Extra police officers are patrolling public transport in the city this morning to reassure commuters.
Detective Superintendent Richard Baker, of West Midlands Police, said: "We know there are a number of passengers who were on the bus yesterday morning when Christina was attacked while she was sitting upstairs.
"Some of these passengers were sitting downstairs on the bus and they haven't yet spoken to police. They may not even have known what happened but may have vital evidence, and it is crucial they contact us as soon as possible on 101.
"Yesterday's events were truly tragic and it's extremely important everyone comes forward and speaks to us. We will also be able to signpost them to professional agencies who can help them come to terms with being witness to such a tragedy."
