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The female victim stabbed repeatedly in the neck in an unprovoked attack near a bus shelter in Birmingham has passed away, police have confirmed.

The victim, who was 34, came under attack in Smallbrook Queensway, just outside the Bullring shopping centre, shortly before 9 PM GMT on Friday, according to police statements.

The suspect, 21, appeared before Birmingham court on Monday, charged over the violent incident.

Originally charged with attempted murder but following the victim's passing charges were upgraded to murder.

Police Response

Authorities stated police personnel will remain around the city centre on Monday providing public assurance, and investigators were supporting the victim's relatives.

Investigators are requesting for witnesses who might have observed Mr Rafael, who is described as British citizen of Black ethnicity, reportedly dressed in grey athletic wear, black hat, trainers with a backpack.

Incident Location

The stabbing happened near Bullring retail complex, opposite the main entrance to Birmingham New Street station.

Law enforcement confirmed they classified it as a random violent act with investigators stating efforts continue to determine the motive behind.

Witness Accounts

An area worker, employed in the vicinity, described the emergency response when she finished her shift at about 22:00 on Friday.

She characterized the location as "quite chaotic", adding that some of her colleagues heard a commotion around 9 PM.

"Many my colleagues take public transport, take the tram... our security is compromised fundamentally, here in the city centre."

Ashley Birks, twenty-five, resident of Stoke, mentioned visiting to Birmingham quite frequently visiting his partner who lives in the city, and was concerned about what had happened.

"It causes concern about my partner," he said.

"She lacks transportation employed at major concert locations... considering something completely unprovoked [happened], understandably, it's terrible."