Birmingham Big Issue Stabbings: Victims Named As Wayne Lee Busst And Ian Watson Gladwish

Big Issue Stabbing Victims Named

Two Big Issues sellers who were stabbed in Birmingham city centre on Friday have been named by police.

Wayne Lee Busst, 32, and Ian Watson Gladwish, 31, both from the city, were stabbed just before 6pm.

West Midlands Police have today been granted more time to question a 23-year-old man who was arrested on Friday evening.

Ian Watson Gladwish

One of the men was found outside the Sainsbury's store in Martineau Place while the second was found slumped yards away near Boots in Union Street. Both had suffered stab wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene.

West Midlands Police, who have today released pictures of the two men, believe the attacker was known to his victims and that it was not a random attack.

The force has said hundreds of people may have witnessed the stabbings which took place in a busy shopping street.

Detective Inspector Buck Rogers, who is leading the investigation, said: "We have had a fantastic response from the public so far and their information has proved vital to our investigation.

"Early inquiries suggest that this wasn't random. The attacker appears to have known his victims.

Wayne Lee Busst

"Our inquiries continue and if there is anyone who saw something on Friday evening and hasn't yet come forward we urge them to call us now on 101."

A 23-year-old man was arrested shortly afterwards near the Odeon cinema in New Street and remains in police custody.

Founder of The Big Issue magazine John Bird has condemned the double killing as "utterly senseless".

In a statement, Bird said: "Myself and everyone at The Big Issue have been deeply saddened to hear the tragic news that two of our well-liked Birmingham-based vendors were stabbed to death in the city centre.

"We are struggling to make any sense of this utterly senseless attack, and our sincerest condolences go out to the families of the victims.

"This awful crime, perpetrated against two hard-working, mild-mannered men only serves to illustrate the extreme vulnerability of people who live and work on the streets, which is why we at The Big Issue are constantly striving to create opportunities which will help our vendors to get off the streets and out of harm's way.

"We are truly devastated that these two individuals have been deprived of just such a future."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is urged to contact the police on 101.

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