Man charged with attempted murder after Wolverhampton hammer attack
A man has been charged with attempted murder following a hammer attack on a teenage boy.
The 16-year-old suffered life-threatening injuries in the assault in Wolverhampton city centre five days ago. He remains in hospital although his condition has stabilised.
Police were called to Wulfrun Square just after 4.30pm on Monday following reports of a teenager being hit with a hammer.
Two people, aged 37 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder.
The 18-year-old, Daniel Iftikhar, from Tipton, has now been charged with attempted murder, assault and two counts of possession of offensive weapons. He was due to appear at Walsall Magistrates Court on Saturday.
The 37-year-old, a woman, has been released pending further investigation.
Detective Inspector Jacqueline Nicholson, from Force CID, said: “This is a shocking incident where the victim has sustained serious injuries.
"We’re still keen to speak to any witnesses who may not have already come forward and spoken to us.
“I’d ask that anyone who may have been in the area at around 4:30pm and may have seen something gets in touch as soon as possible."
Immediately after the attack, a cordon was put in place outside the shopping centre, preventing people from getting to shops such as Primark.
Nearby shoppers and security guards helped the victim before medics, including the air ambulance from Cosford, arrived on the scene.
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime. Please quote log number 1734 from 15 April.
Alternatively, contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
