Schoolgirl, 16, stabbed to death on bus

A 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of the teenager, a student at at Leasowes High School in Halesowen, West Midlands Police said.

He was held near a Morrison’s supermarket following a manhunt launched after the killing on a crowded double-decker bus at around 7.30am as Christina made her way to school.

Police said the man was chased and arrested after being seen acting suspiciously and was being held on suspicion of murder.

Neil Shaw, the headteacher of Leasowes High School, said: “Christina was a bright and popular student much loved by staff and students alike.

“We are deeply saddened to hear this tragic news and our thoughts and hearts go out to her family and everyone who knew her.

“The school is working closely with the police and a team of counsellors to provide support to our pupils and staff.”

Police said Christina’s family were being supported by family liaison officers.

Detective Superintendent Richard Baker said: “This is a tragic case and the victim’s family are devastated.

“We are still anxious to hear from anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident this morning to speak to us via the dedicated hotline 0800 096 0095.

“There will be a high police presence across the city this afternoon following this morning’s tragedy, particularly on buses and in schools in the area to provide reassurance to local people.”

Police launched a hunt this morning for a black man in his late teens or early 20s, warning the public to be “vigilant”.

A second man was detained by police in connection with the stabbing but later released without arrest.

Mr Baker said police were investigating the possibility that the murder was a random attack, adding: “We’re looking at a number of motives at the moment.”

The area was cordoned off this morning and and officers remained at the scene in Hagley Road, Birmingham.

The street, leading out of the city, was closed in the wake of the stabbing and is expected to stay shut for the rest of the day.

Emergency services were called to the area at 7.37am after the bus driver raised the alarm and reported that a passenger had been wounded.

But medics who rushed to help were unable to save the teenager.

Police dogs and firearms officers were brought in to help search for the knifeman.

Officers are also searching for any CCTV systems which may have captured the attack on camera, while specialist forensic investigators comb the scene for clues.

Mr Baker said a large number of people witnessed the stabbing.

Just last month, on the morning of February 8, @ChristinaEdkins tweeted about a man who was “worrying” her on a bus journey.

She said: “This man is worrying me on the bus keeps getting up and walking up and down stairs, and sitting in different place.”