Teens arrested after boy, 13, stabbed to death
Two teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 13-year-old boy was stabbed to death at his home.
The youngster died after he was attacked at Lovett Avenue, Oldbury, at about 16:00 BST on Thursday, West Midlands Police said.
The pair were arrested on Sunday and taken into custody for questioning.
Dozens of bunches of flowers, candles and teddies were laid outside the home to pay tribute to the teenager, who has not yet been named.
"The boys have been arrested on suspicion of murder," a force spokesperson said.
They added the victim's family were aware of the arrests.
"Our thoughts remain with them at this devastating time," they said.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said the boy received treatment from paramedics on Thursday but died at the scene.
An online portal was set up to allow people to send in information, pictures or video directly to investigating officers, police said.
Bouquets of flowers were left outside the house and one woman collapsed in tears after she left her tribute on the doorstep.
Local officers and youth workers were due to be in the area over the next few days to address any concerns from residents.
Dudley councillor Caroline Reid, whose brother was killed in 1998, said the death was "heartbreaking" and "just so sad".
"No one will understand what it is like unless you have walked those steps and been through it yourself. There are no words. The grief is awful," she said.
Smethwick MP Gurinder Singh Josan said in a statement on Friday: "This is a tragic waste of a young life and my thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the family and friends of the young boy."
Last year, the West Midlands had the highest rate of knife offences in England and Wales.
One woman, who had lived on the estate for more than 30 years, said she was "shocked" after finding out the victim was teenager.
“It’s just getting worse," she said of knife crime in the region.
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