Police are hunting up to seven attackers after a 14-year-old boy was stabbed to death in Birmingham.
West Midlands Police said they understand the teenager was attacked on College Road at the junction with Wardour Grove in Kingstanding at around 7.30pm on Monday.
Up to seven people then sprinted off towards Chester Road.
An ambulance arrived at 7.35pm but the boy was confirmed dead at the scene a short time later.
West Midlands Police have launched a murder investigation and said the area has been “flooded” with officers who are searching for the offenders. Officers are speaking to witnesses and fast-tracking CCTV inquiries.
Meanwhile, two groups of youths clashed in front of police near to the scene around an hour after the stabbing.
Sky correspondent Frazer Maude has said police quickly dealt with the incident and the two groups were separated.
Some were placed in handcuffs but police have said no arrests were made.
William Newton, who lives in the area, was at the scene of the stabbing shortly after it took place.
He told Sky News: “There were nine police cars, there were two ambulances outside the cul-de-sac.”
Mr Newton added: “It’s a horrible situation, I’m lost for words.”
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Detective Inspector Ranj Sangha, from the force’s homicide unit, said: “This is a shocking and senseless tragedy. Another young life has been taken far too soon.
“We have officers with the boy’s family who are facing the cruellest of news this evening. My heart goes out to them.
“We will be leaving no stone unturned in our hunt for the callous individuals responsible for this, or for anyone harbouring them, knowing what they have done.”
Labour MP Jack Dromey, whose Erdington constituency includes the area where the stabbing happened, said: “Truly shocking that a 14-year-old teenage boy in Kingstanding was stabbed to death this evening.
“Anyone with any information should contact West Midlands Police.
“My condolences to his family.”
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said they were called to the scene at 7.35pm on Monday, arriving within five minutes.
She added: “Crews arrived to find a teenage boy in a critical condition following a stabbing.
“The team of ambulance staff worked together to administer advanced life support at the scene.
“Tragically, despite their best efforts, nothing could be done to save the boy and he was confirmed dead at the scene a short time later.”
Anyone who can help the investigation is asked to contact police by Live Chat on the force’s website, calling 101 quoting log 3313 of 31/5, or calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111