'Do not fly' warning over murder scene of 12-year-old boy as police vow to track rule-breakers
Police have issued a warning to anyone attempting to fly drones over the scene of a schoolboy's murder. The 12-year-old was tragically stabbed to death around school finishing time yesterday, Tuesday, January 21.
He was rushed to hospital after being found injured in Scribers Lane, Hall Green, but sadly died from his injuries. A boy aged 14 was arrested on suspicion of murder around four hours after the stabbing.
The teen is also being questioned over an unconnected attack on a pensioner. Police have erected a cordon around the scene - which they are holding this afternoon. But after drones were flown over the site, West Midlands Police has now placed restrictions on the airspace above the scene.
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In a rare move, the force warned it would be tracking any rule-breakers who try to use drones to capture the murder scene. People are banned from flying the technology in the "restricted area" - which was detailed in a map provided by police.
A spokesperson for the force urged everyone to "observe this restriction" as they continue to make enquiries. In an update shared this afternoon, police said: "There are currently airspace restrictions in place for the below area while we continue to investigate the murder of a 12-year-old boy. This means, that you cannot fly drones in this restricted area without permission from WMP.
"Our @dronesWMP can detect and track those who break these rules. Please observe this restriction, thank you." Earlier, as a press conference was held at the scene, it emerged the suspect was also being questioned about a second unrelated offence.
Chief Superintendent Richard North, commander of Birmingham Local Policing Area, said the 14-year-old was also detained in connection with an assault on a woman in her 80s two days before the boy was stabbed to death.
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He urged the public not to speculate over the circumstances but described the scene where he was killed as "incredibly distressing". The victim's school, Christ Church C of E Secondary Academy opened as normal today and shared its condolences to the family.
In a brief statement, a spokesperson for the school said: "Our condolences and deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of one of our CCSA students. This is a very sad time for our school community, and we are focusing on supporting our students, staff, and families with professional support."