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Man, 26, dies in parents' arms after being stabbed while calling girlfriend

A 26-year-old man died in the arms of his parents after he was stabbed while on the phone to his girlfriend just yards from his home.

Tragic James Brindley was attacked in Aldridge High Street, in the quaint town centre of Aldridge, near Walsall, West Mids, as he walked home from the pub following a night out with friends on Friday.

The budding entrepreneur was left in a pool of blood after being knifed in the heart at around midnight as his distraught partner listened helplessly on the other end of the line.

She alerted his dad Mark, 57 and mum Beverley, 55, both company directors, who live nearby and rushed to the scene.

They both cradled their injured son as emergency services rushed to the town centre but he sadly passed away in their arms outside a shop.

A group of brave 16-year-old boys on their way home from their school prom also tried to provide first aid to James, who suffered a single stab wound.

James Brindley died in his parents arms after being attacked while on a night out (SWNS)
James Brindley died in his parents arms after being attacked while on a night out (SWNS)

West Midlands Police have now launched a murder investigation following the “brutal” attack and are appealing for witnesses to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Jim Munro, of West Midlands Police, said: “We believe that he was approached somewhere near the entrance to Croft Park on the Little Aston Road where he was attacked and fatally stabbed.

“CCTV capture him staggering back towards the town centre. We believe he was trying to get help.

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“At that time he was approached by four 16-year-old lads who had been out on a school prom night who administered first aid to him.

“He is later joined at the scene by his parents and later dies in their arms on the street following the attack moments before.

“The lads were innocent passers by, they were on their way to a further party following their prom night.

Police have launched a murder investigation following the attack (SWNS)
Police have launched a murder investigation following the attack (SWNS)

“They just came across him, they provided first aid and did the best they could to try and save his life.”

DI Munro said James’ parents were still “very distressed” and “shocked” over what happened to their son.

Police revealed James had been looking to start his own health food company and was training towards pursuing a business career.

DI Munro added: “He’d obviously been out with friends that night and he’d been looking forward and carrying out training courses with a view to carrying that career out.

“There’s no evidence of a clear motive at this time, we remain open minded.

“The only thing I can tell you is that the attack happened very quickly, within a matter of seconds.

Flowers have been left at the site where James died (SWNS)
Flowers have been left at the site where James died (SWNS)

“Therefore we are very very keen to speak to people who have information regarding this, whether they be friends, family associates of those responsible.”

Detectives are now also trying to trace the owners of four vehicles that were caught on CCTV near the scene.

DI Munro said: “We’re very keen to speak to the occupants of two dark coloured vehicles and two light coloured vehicles that were driving in the direction of the town centre at around 11.45pm on Friday.

“We believe those occupants may have information that may assist us in trying to identify the people or person responsible for this attack.

“I’m very keen that they come forward and speak to me.”

Detectives are trying to trace the owners of four vehicles that were caught on CCTV near the scene (SWNS)
Detectives are trying to trace the owners of four vehicles that were caught on CCTV near the scene (SWNS)

Paying tribute to him on Saturday (24/6) James’ family said: “Outwardly James appeared to be a Jack the lad, without a care in the world, but that belied his true nature which was deeply sensitive and fiercely loyal to his family and friends.

“He was a very straight forward and trusting person.”

It is believed James’ parents ran Beacon Design and Contracting Services, whose offices are listed as being based on the street where James was found stabbed.

Neighbours of the family’s home, where James lived with his parents and sister Charlotte, 22, reacted with shock to the news of his death.

James was just yards from his home when he was fatally stabbed (SWNS)
James was just yards from his home when he was fatally stabbed (SWNS)

Retired secretary Iris Gwilliam (corr), 78, said: “He was the most lovely lad, he really was. He had such a genuine, friendly soul.”

She added: “For someone so young to be taken in such a brutal way, it’s unfathomable.”

Another nearby resident said: “I think I’m too shocked to really open up about it. It’s so hard to believe.

“Here you have a kid who has the rest of his life in front of him, and just like that it has been snatched away from him.

“It’s impossible to understand.”

Top pic: SWNS