Coventry's top cop pledges justice for 'tragic murder of a child' - The Coventry Observer

Coventry's top cop pledges justice for 'tragic murder of a child'

Coventry Editorial 6th Feb, 2020 Updated: 6th Feb, 2020   0

COVENTRY Police’s chief Mike O’Hara has today pledged to find the killers of a boy in Coventry after a murder investigation was launched.

West Midlands CID and forensic crews are searching fields near Petitor Crescent in Wood End following the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old boy around 7pm last night (February 5).

A spokesperson for West Midlands police said: “We now understand the victim is a 15-year-old boy but we are not in a position to name him yet as officers are still trying to contact all family members.




“Detectives have made good progress already with their enquiry.

“Several witnesses have been identified – some have already been spoken to and some we’ll be speaking to today – and we’ve received some encouraging calls from the public following last night’s appeal for witnesses.


“Today our detectives will be examining CCTV opportunities – it will be a painstaking task but it’s already begun in earnest.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service said “We were called to reports of a stabbing in Petitor Crescent in Coventry at 7.04pm last night. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the critical care car with a doctor on board from The Air Ambulance Service were sent to the scene.

“Ambulance staff arrived to find a male in a critical condition and immediately administered advanced life support. Sadly, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save the male and he was confirmed dead on scene.”

Coventry Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Mike O’Hara, said: “Firstly I’d like to say how shocked I am, and no doubt the communities of Coventry are, over the tragic murder of a child in our city last night. Any violent crime is shocking but when the victim is of school age it’s all the more appalling and saddening.

“We will do everything in our power to ensure the killers are caught and face justice.

“We understand the victim was attacked near Petitor Crescent before 7pm last night. Detectives have sealed off the scene for a fingertip search and forensic examination and we are working to try and understand any motive or what led up to the stabbing.

“If anyone was in the Petitor Crescent area of Wood End between 6-8pm last night and saw anything suspicious, a disorder, or people running from the scene I’d urge them to get in touch as they could hold important information.

“Or if anyone has overheard someone talking about this killing or knowledge of it then we need them to contact us or Crimestoppers anonymously.

“My thoughts are very much with the family of the victim and people close to him. This is a truly tragic time for them.”

People can get in touch by calling 101 or message us on Live Chat via the website quoting log 2263 from 5 Feb. Or information can be passed anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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