Police make six arrests after 14-year-old boy stabbed to death in Birmingham

West Midlands police refer themselves to police watchdog amid claims killing was racially motivated

Police in Birmingham hunting for a group of men who chased then stabbed a 14-year-old black child to death have made six arrests and referred themselves to the police watchdog amid claims the killing was racially motivated.

West Midlands police initially said there was nothing to support a racial motive in Monday's stabbing, despite concerns raised in the community. However, on Tuesday evening the force changed that stance, saying they were keeping an open mind as to the motive.