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The female victim stabbed repeatedly to her neck area during a random assault near a bus shelter in Birmingham has died, police have confirmed.

The victim, who was 34, came under attack on Smallbrook Queensway street, just outside the Bullring shopping centre, shortly before 21:00 GMT Friday evening, according to police statements.

Djeison Rafael, 21, appeared before Birmingham court on Monday, charged over the violent incident.

He was previously accused of attempted murder however after the victim's passing charges were upgraded to murder.

Police Response

The force said police personnel will remain around the city centre through Monday providing public assurance, and investigators were supporting the woman's family.

Detectives are appealing any eyewitnesses who may have seen Mr Rafael, who is described as British citizen of Black ethnicity, and is believed to have been wearing an all-grey tracksuit, dark headwear, athletic shoes with a backpack.

Incident Location

The knife attack occurred outside the Bullring shopping centre, across from the main entrance of New Street railway station.

Police said they classified it as a random violent act and Det Insp James Nix said efforts continue to determine the motive behind.

Witness Accounts

An area worker, who works nearby, described the emergency response after completing her work period at about 22:00 on Friday.

She characterized the location as extremely disorderly, adding that co-workers reported hearing a commotion at about 21:00.

"Many my colleagues take public transport, take the tram... our security is compromised fundamentally, in the downtown area."

Ashley Birks, 25, resident of Stoke, said he came to Birmingham fairly regularly to see his girlfriend who lives in the city, expressing concern about what had happened.

"It makes me worried about my partner," he stated.

"She doesn't drive employed at all of the big music venues... considering something completely unprovoked occurred, you know, it's horrible."