Woman stabbed to death in Shirley

May 14 2008 EXCLUSIVE By Leda Reynolds

A MURDER investigation has been launched after a young woman was found brutally stabbed to death in a leafy Midland street today.

The body of the woman, believed to be in her late twenties, was found shortly after 8.15am in Berkley Road, Shirley, by a resident, who immediately called the police.

The woman who has not been identified was taken to Heartlands Hospital after a woman living in the road spotted the body slumped in a pool of blood. She was pronounced dead at around 9.00am.

This afternoon police had sealed off the junction of Berkley Road with Delrene Road while forensic experts and specialist search teams carry out a fingertip search of the area.

Detective Inspector Iain Grant of Solihull CID said officers have also been carrying out extensive house-to-house inquiries.

Police have recovered what they believe to be the murder weapon which was found lying in the road, however they have not revealed any details about it.

The victim is believed to have received multiple stab wounds and a post mortem examination is due to be carried out tomorrow morning.

DI Grant said the dead woman did not have any form of identification on her and are currently investigating whether she lived locally.

''A neighbour saw a woman lying on the floor at around 8.15am this morning and called the emergency services,'' said DI Grant.

"We found what we believe to be a weapon and it has now been sent off for forensic examination.

''I would appeal to anyone that was in the area who has any information who has not previously been spoken to by police to contact the Incident Room, Solihull police station on 0845 113 5000.''