A tragic incident unfolded in Birmingham city centre, resulting in the untimely death of a 17-year-old student, Muhammad Hassam Ali, who suffered a fatal stab wound to the chest.
The heartbreaking episode occurred on January 20 when West Midlands Police responded to reports of a stabbing at Victoria Square.
Following the ongoing criminal investigation, proceedings have been adjourned, allowing Muhammad's body to be returned to his family for funeral arrangements, as disclosed during the hearing at Birmingham and Solihull Coroner's Court.
Senior Coroner for Birmingham and Solihull, Louise Hunt, emphasized the necessity of an inquest due to the violent nature of Muhammad Hassam Ali's death. She focused on providing information about the deceased during the initial hearing, acknowledging that the case would be adjourned until the conclusion of the criminal investigation.
A statement from coroner's investigator Karen Jones, as read by Ms. Hunt, confirmed the full name of the deceased, Muhammad Hassam Ali, a 17-year-old student born in Pakistan and residing in Perry Barr, Birmingham.
The circumstances leading to Muhammad's tragic death were outlined by Ms. Hunt, describing how West Midlands Police responded to a stabbing incident at Victoria Square, Birmingham city centre.
Despite immediate treatment at the scene and transportation to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Muhammad's injuries proved fatal, and he succumbed at 6:41 pm on January 20. A post-mortem examination indicated the provisional cause of death as a stab wound to the chest.
The Coroner noted the notification from the Crown Prosecution Service regarding the filing of charges. A 15-year-old, whose identity is protected due to legal reasons, faces charges of murder and possession of a bladed article.
To allow for the criminal prosecution to proceed, the inquest was adjourned without a specified date. Ms. Hunt expressed her satisfaction with releasing Muhammad's body to his family for the funeral and extended condolences to the grieving family and friends during this challenging time.
