Stirchley attack – suspect named

Detectives have named a man they wish to question in connection with Monday afternoon’s Stirchley stabbing which left a pregnant woman critically ill.

Leon Harrison, aged 33, from Kings Heath is believed to have left the scene in a silver coloured car after the woman was stabbed in Pershore Road at around 2pm. Harrison is known to frequent Selly Oak, Kings Heath and the Lickey Hills. He is described as a 6’2″ heavily built black man with brown eyes, a small goatee beard and four gold canine teeth. He has a distinctive panther tattoo on his right arm and a large cross on his lower left arm. He also has letters tattooed on both sides of his neck and a scar on the right side of his jaw.

Officers are also keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time, and particularly wish to talk to the driver of a blue Renault who was leaving the car park in Pershore Road as the attack happened at around 2pm.

The 31-year-old woman was rushed to hospital and underwent surgery last night, her condition described as critical but stable. Police immediately launched an investigation, cordoning off the car park and speaking to witnesses at the scene as well as examining CCTV evidence.

Detective Inspector Justin Spanner, leading the investigation, said: “This woman is lucky to be alive. We have spoken to a number of witnesses who were at the car park at the time but there are still a number of others we have yet to hear from. We’re particularly keen to speak to the driver of a blue Renault vehicle who was leaving the car park at the time of the attack and would have seen what happened.

Witnesses or anyone who knows Harrison’s whereabouts should call detectives on 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.