Bus stab killer 'calmly left scene' (From Salisbury Journal)
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Bus stab killer 'calmly left scene'
5:37pm Friday 8th March 2013 in National News © Press Association 2013
Sixteen-year-old Christina Edkins was fatally stabbed on a bus in Birmingham
A man who fatally stabbed a 16-year-old schoolgirl on a bus carried out the knife attack and then "calmly" waited to get off the vehicle, a detective has said.
Christina Edkins was killed on a double-decker in Hagley Road, Birmingham, during the morning rush-hour on Thursday.
The teenager had been sitting in front of her attacker on the top deck when he struck as the bus was slowing down. Post-mortem tests have revealed she died from a single stab wound to the chest.
Detective Superintendent Richard Baker, of West Midlands Police, said after the attack: "He walked down the stairs and calmly waited to get off the bus."
Friends of the teenager have gathered to pay their respects at the scene, where a growing number of floral tributes have been placed.
Police have released a picture of the suspected killer, a black man in his early 20s, who was wearing a distinctive jacket with a picture of a tiger on the back. They believe he used buses in and around Birmingham around the time of the attack, and have appealed for anyone who saw him between 6am and 1pm to come forward.
They also called on any remaining passengers from the number nine bus to speak to them about what happened. Mr Baker said: "Even if you think the information you have is not relevant or will not assist us, please let us make that assessment."
Mr Baker added: "We know from witness accounts that we do have that, although some screaming was heard immediately after the incident, initially people thought perhaps it was just teenagers messing around on the top deck of the bus."
A 22-year-old man arrested near the scene is continuing to be questioned by detectives on suspicion of murder. They have been given a further 12 hours to quiz him.
Mr Baker said Christina's family was distraught. "Clearly they are absolutely devastated by what has happened. If you look at the pictures of Christina, she was a beautiful young girl. This attack appears to be totally senseless and random," he said.
