POLICE have named the man who was stabbed to death near Halesowen, while a 18-year-old has now been arrested.

Alexander Phillip Leonard, aged 22, from Bartley Green died after he was attacked in Woodgate Gardens around 10.50pm on Monday (July 3).

A postmortem revealed he died from a single stab wound.

Investigations are continuing and on Wednesday (July 5) officers arrested another man, aged 18, in connection with the death, on suspicion of murder.

Police have also been given extra time to question a 16-year-old boy who was arrested shortly after the incident.

A second man, aged 21, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, has now been released without charge.

Detective Inspector Caroline Corfield said: “Investigations are continuing into the tragic death of Mr Leonard.

"I wish to express my gratitude to the local community who have been very supportive of this investigation but I do believe there are still others who will have relevant information and would still like to hear from anyone who saw what happened and has not yet spoken to us and ask they get in touch as soon as possible.”

Issuing an update on the inquiry, Detective Inspector Harry Harrison, of West Midlands Police, said: "We are making real progress in the investigation.

"I'd like to thank the community for their continued support and ask that anyone who has any information who hasn't yet come forward gets in touch as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, local neighbourhood Superintendent Mat Shaer said officers do not believe the murder to be gang-related.

Supt Shaer added the police were aware of anti-social behaviour concerns within the area, which officers are addressing.

"We are putting a lot of work into tackling knife crime and ask that the public remains vigilant, reporting any concerns they have in their area," Mr Shaer said.

"I would remind those who carry knives that they not only increase the risk of harm to others, but also to themselves."

A large police tent has been put up at the scene outside an end-of-terrace property, while a smaller covering was placed on the pavement nearby.

A witness who saw efforts to help the victim told the Press Association: "I just heard loads of young adults crying and asking for help and doing CPR on him.

"They were waiting for the ambulance. My husband knows the lad who has died, he was a quiet lad and it's just shocking."

Paramedics were called to the scene in Woodgate Gardens shortly before 10.45pm.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "On arrival, crews discovered a man in his 20s who had suffered a single stab wound to the chest and was seriously injured as a result.

"He received emergency medical treatment at the scene before being transported to hospital in a critical condition."

A second emergency call was made a few minutes later to a patient with a stab injury in nearby Allwood Gardens at 10.45pm.

The ambulance service spokesman said: "Crews treated a teenage male for a stabbing injury to his hand. Following treatment at the scene, he was transported to hospital."

Information can be given to police on 101 ext 863 3039 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.