Section 60 extended following fatal stabbing

This is a message to our communities from Walsall LPA’s commander Chief Superintendent Phil Dolby after we launched a murder investigation on Monday following a fatal stabbing.

We arrested a man on suspicion of murder after the death of a man who was stabbed in Walsall on Monday night. The 22-year-old was stabbed on Bloxwich Road at around 5.15pm. He was taken to hospital but died just before midnight.

A 52-year-old was arrested on suspicion of murder.

A Section 60 was put in place across Walsall on Monday night and has been extended until Wednesday morning due to a fear of potential violent disorder.

Chief Superintendent Dolby said: "I understand that Monday night's incident has left the community shocked and worried and I totally understand their concerns. Our immediate thoughts are with the family of the man who has died and we are supporting them as best as we can. We moved quickly to arrest a man on suspicion of murder and we’re working round the clock to arrest others involved. Immediately following this I authorised a Section 60 across Walsall which enables us to stop and search people without the need to have reasonable grounds and will cover the whole of Walsall until Wednesday morning. We don’t use section 60 powers lightly, but we will use all our powers to ensure the safety of people in the area.

"My officers are in the community today and will be over the coming days to offer reassurance and to speak to those who are concerned about what has happened. I’ve been working closely with our partners, have liaised with our local MP and I’m meeting with councillors tonight (Tues) to talk about what we are doing to reassure people.

"Over the coming days you will see more officers and I would encourage you to go and have a chat to them and raise any issues you have.  Keep talking to us and we will make sure we listen to your concerns. We will be holding a police surgery in the coming days where people will be able to come along and chat to us with details to be announced soon. We look forward to seeing you there.”