A second murder suspect has this afternoon been arrested over the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old boy Babacar Diagne in Coventry.
Police say they stopped a car in the Wood End area at around 2pm this afternoon (February 7) and arrested another 15-year-old lad on suspicion of murder.
Two women, aged 31 and 32, were also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
It follows the arrest last night of another 15-year-old boy who was detained at a property in Canley. He has been questioned today over the murder.
Five other people – men aged 18 and 22, a 16-year-old boy, and women aged 21 and 49 – were also arrested in Canley and are being quizzed on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Babacar was found collapsed on grassland off Petitor Crescent, Wood End, at around 7pm on Wednesday having been stabbed. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say it is understood Babacar was attacked by three black males who arrived at the murder scene on pedal cycles. The reason behind the attack is not clear but homicide detectives are working on a number of possible motives.
Detective Chief Inspector Scott Griffiths from our Homicide Unit is leading the investigation. He said: “We are making swift progress on the case but our officers will continue to work around the clock until we are satisfied we have caught everyone involved in this awful attack.
“I would urge anyone who suspects they know who’s involved, or if anyone has overheard a conversation about the stabbing or saw anything suspicious near Petitor Crescent on Wednesday night, to please get in touch.
“The people responsible do not deserve protection. They have killed a child and we all collectively need to make a stand to show this is not acceptable.”
Police ask anyone who was driving through the Petitor Crescent area between 6-8pm on Wednesday and has dash-cam footage to get in touch on 101 or message us on Live Chat via the website.
Or information can be passed anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Callers won’t be asked for their names and calls cannot be traced.