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A woman who was stabbed in the neck in an unprovoked attack near a bus shelter in Birmingham has passed away, authorities verified.

The victim, aged 34 years, came under attack on Smallbrook Queensway street, right beside Bullring shopping complex, just prior to 9 PM GMT on Friday, West Midlands Police said.

The suspect, twenty-one, was presented at Birmingham court on Monday, facing charges for the violent incident.

He was previously accused of attempted murder however after the woman's death the charge has been updated to include murder.

Police Response

The force said officers would be around the city centre on Monday providing public assurance, and investigators were supporting the victim's relatives.

Investigators are requesting any eyewitnesses who might have observed Mr Rafael, who is described as British citizen of Black ethnicity, reportedly dressed in an all-grey tracksuit, dark headwear, athletic shoes and rucksack.

Incident Location

The stabbing happened near Bullring retail complex, across from the main entrance to Birmingham New Street station.

Law enforcement confirmed they classified it as "unprovoked attack" and Det Insp James Nix said they were working to understand the motive behind.

Eyewitness Reports

An area worker, who works nearby, recounted the emergency response when she finished her work period around 10 PM Friday night.

She characterized the location as "quite chaotic", and said co-workers reported hearing a commotion at about 21:00.

"A lot of my colleagues use transit services, ride the tramline... our safety is at risk fundamentally, in the downtown area."

Ashley Birks, twenty-five, from Stoke-on-Trent, said he came to Birmingham fairly regularly visiting his partner who lives in the city, expressing concern regarding the incident.

"It makes me worried for my girlfriend," he said.

"She lacks transportation employed at major concert locations... considering a totally random act [happened], understandably, it's terrible."