Murder hunt detectives make arrest after woman dies in taxi stabbing

West Midlands Police said the 28-year-old man, named by sources as Junior Saleem Oakes, was found in the garden of a house in south Birmingham just after 6pm last night, shortly after police released a photograph of man wanted for questioning.

The man, also known as Mohammed Saleem (Salim) Junior Oakes, was taken to a police station in the West Midlands, said the spokesman.

The victim, who still had to be formally identified last night, was knifed repeatedly while still in the car in Northfield, Birmingham, at about 8am.

Police, who launched a manhunt, said the victim and her attacker were believed to have been in a relationship.

They were both passengers in the taxi – a light-coloured Peugeot car. The driver called 999 and paramedics rushed to the scene but the woman was in cardiac arrest and could not be saved.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jones described the police investigation as “complex and dynamic” and renewed earlier appeals for witnesses to come forward.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted today.

A cordon was thrown up around the area and officers conducted house-to-house inquiries yesterday while forensic investigators scoured the surrounding street and nearby gardens.

Superintendent Andy Shipman said there was no need for residents in the area to be “unduly concerned”, adding: “We urge local people to come forward to help with this investigation. Our officers are out in the area conducting house to house enquiries and speaking to members of the community to offer some reassurance to those distressed by this morning’s events.”

He said: “Violent crime is very rare in south Birmingham and we hope local people can be reassured that this is being treated as an isolated incident between two people, at this stage of the investigation.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service said a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance had gone to the scene.

A spokesman said: “Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of all medics in attendance, nothing could be done to save the woman and she was confirmed dead at the scene.”