BREAKING NEWS: Halesowen schoolgirl murder suspect sectioned (From Halesowen News)

BREAKING NEWS: Halesowen schoolgirl murder suspect sectioned

6:05pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News

THE MAN arrested on suspicion of knifing to death Halesowen schoolgirl Christina Edkins has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

Detectives will now have to interrogate the suspect as he will be sent to a secure facility after mental health professionals deemed him unfit to be interviewed any further.

The 22-year-old has been regularly assessed by medical experts throughout his time in police custody.

Christina was fatally stabbed on the number 9 bus on Birmingham's Hagley Road just after 7.30am yesterday morning (Thursday).

A post-mortem revealed that the schoolgirl died as a result of a single stab wound to the chest. Meanwhile, several people have come forward following an appeal earlier this afternoon by Detective Superintendent Richard Baker, who revealed that officers had only spoken to half of the 16 people who were on board the bus.

Some of those witnesses were on board at the time of the attack, whilst others, who had been out and about in Birmingham, felt they had crucial information to assist the inquiry.

Det Supt. Baker said: "Despite this latest development, the investigation continues and we still need to hear from anyone who has not yet come forward.

"I want to reiterate that we're not looking for anyone else in connection with Christina's murder.

"The family, who are still extremely distressed, have been kept up to date with the progress of the investigation. We continue to support them at this very difficult time."

Anyone with information to assist the investigation should call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.