Police release Efit of suspect and appeal for information
POLICE in Birmingham have launched a murder inquiry after a man was stabbed in the head with a screwdriver.
Sarfraz Khan, 24, was attacked in Larches Green play area on Long Street, Sparkbrook, on Friday 12 March.
He was rushed to hospital but died yesterday from serious head injuries.
Today his distraught family, who live in the Hodge Hill area of the city, described him as a “good hearted” person as detectives launched a murder inquiry.
Police have studied CCTV footage from the park and have released an efit of a man wanted in connection with the stabbing.
Detectives revealed Sarfraz was in an argument with a group of teenagers in the play area at around 11.30pm when he was stabbed.
Senior Investigating Officer DCI Richard Baker from the Major Investigation Unit at West Midlands Police said: “He went into the park where there were a group of teenagers sitting on the play area. There appears to have been an exchange between Sarfraz and some of the girls in the group, which turned into an argument and two male youths from the group have joined in.
“At some point a screwdriver was produced by one of the males and Sarfraz was stabbed in the temple. The offender has then run off and was last seen turning into Beechfield Road in Sparkbrook.”
“At some point a screwdriver was produced by one of the males and Sarfraz was stabbed in the temple. The offender has then run off and was last seen turning into Beechfield Road in Sparkbrook.”
The murder weapon, a yellow eight-inch screwdriver, has been recovered by detectives.
Police said up to eight teenagers may have witnessed the attack, and they are eager to trace them.
An efit of a youth police believed to be the murder suspect has been released.
He is described a male of Asian or mixed race Asian appearance. Aged between 16 and 17 years, with a long oval shaped face with a small nose and dark eyebrows.
He had black, short clippered hair and was wearing a navy coloured woolly hat. He was around 5’6” tall, of thin skinny build and a Birmingham accent. He was wearing plain grey t-shirt or top and grey jogging bottoms and he had a white coloured bag.
DCI Baker added: “I am appealing specifically to the girls who were in the group on Friday night to come forward.
“To parents and family members – if any of your children have seen this or been involved in this – their behaviour may be different, they may be worried or upset. You may even be missing that screwdriver.
“We ask you to come forward with your children and help us. We understand that young people in the area who where there and know something may have real concerns about coming forward.
“We have a proven track record in protecting witnesses and in the first instance all information provided to us will be treated in the strictest of confidence.”
DCI Baker added: “I am appealing specifically to the girls who were in the group on Friday night to come forward.
“To parents and family members – if any of your children have seen this or been involved in this – their behaviour may be different, they may be worried or upset. You may even be missing that screwdriver.
“We ask you to come forward with your children and help us. We understand that young people in the area who where there and know something may have real concerns about coming forward.
“We have a proven track record in protecting witnesses and in the first instance all information provided to us will be treated in the strictest of confidence.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police – Major Investigation Team on 0845 113 5000 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
