A 22-year-old Birmingham man was stabbed to death in an argument over a child’s bike, it was claimed last night.
West Midlands police have so far declined to name the victim but he was named locally as Christopher Cashmore.
According to neighbours the man was stabbed in the neck three times after an argument with another local resident became violent.
The attack happened just before 2.50pm yesterday in Ely Grove, Quinton.
The victim is believed to have been visiting a friend when he got into an argument with another man.
Ely Grove was cordoned off last night and a blue police tent could be seen in the front garden of one of the houses.
One neighbour, who did not want to be named, claims he witnessed the attack and said: “It was a stupid argument that got out of control.
“People were angry because a child’s bike went into someone’s garden and then it was thrown out.
“No one can believe what happened, everyone is in shock. He was a nice geezer who would not hurt anyone.
“People have got to stop using weapons to solve their arguments or we will just end up with more blood on our streets.”
The man was taken to hospital yesterday but was pronounced dead a short time after.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “On arrival the crews immediately started resuscitation on the 22-year-old.
“He was taken on blue lights to the regional trauma centre at Selly Oak Hospital where medics were on standby for his arrival. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of ambulance and hospital staff, it was not possible to save him and he was confirmed dead shortly after arrival.”
Neighbours in the streets near the cul-de-sac where he died on the Welsh Farm Road estate last night spoke of their sorrow at his loss but said the community was blighted by knife crime.
Mr Smith, 50, of Blandsford Road, said: “I have lived here for more than 30 years and have seen this area get worse and worse.
“I was attacked once and got stabbed seven times, this place is like the Bronx. All we have is drugs and crime,”
West Midlands police were last night at pains to point out the attack was an isolated incident and not gang-related.
But they did reveal two men in their 20s had been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody helping police with their inquiries.
A West Midland police spokesman confirmed: “The incident occurred just before 2.50pm today in Ely Grove, Quinton, Birmingham. A man, aged 22, received a stab wound to his neck.
“He was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead. He is not being named at this stage.”
Anyone with information is urged to call CID at Rose Road police station on 0845 113 5000.
