Police have launched an urgent manhunt for a 24-year-old man following the fatal stabbing of a man in his 40s in Birmingham, with detectives warning the public not to approach the suspect if spotted. West Midlands Police are desperately searching for Asad Khan in connection with the killing on Alum Rock Road yesterday morning.
Emergency services raced to the scene just after 7am on Friday, 5 September, where they found the victim suffering from serious stab wounds. Despite paramedics battling to save the man’s life at the property on Alum Rock Road, he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
The killing has prompted a major murder investigation, with West Midlands Police now issuing images of Khan and launching an urgent public appeal to track down the suspect. Officers have stressed that members of the public “must not approach him” if they see him but should instead contact police immediately.
Images released by police show Khan with long dark hair, though detectives have warned he may have since shaved his head. The force has released two photographs of the suspect as part of their urgent appeal, emphasising the critical nature of locating him as quickly as possible.
Detective Inspector Nick Barnes, from West Midlands Police Homicide Team, issued a stark warning to the public: “We really need to hear from anyone who has any information on Khan’s whereabouts to get in touch. If you see him or know where he is, you must not approach him, but get in touch with us immediately.”
The victim, whose identity has not yet been formally released, was described by shocked neighbours as a “builder” who was “a nice person who kept himself to himself”. The local community has been left reeling by the violent attack in what is typically a busy residential and commercial area of Birmingham.
Police activity remained intense throughout Friday, with officers maintaining a presence in an alleyway at the back of the Alum Rock Road premises where the attack occurred. A cordon was also established outside a house in nearby Jackson Road as detectives continued their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing.
The murder scene remains sealed off as forensic teams conduct detailed examinations of the area. West Midlands Police have deployed significant resources to the manhunt, with officers conducting door-to-door enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area.
Alum Rock Road, a main thoroughfare in east Birmingham, was partially closed following the incident, causing disruption to local businesses and residents. The area, which has a diverse community and numerous shops, has seen increased police patrols as the search for Khan intensifies.
This latest killing adds to Birmingham’s ongoing struggle with violent crime. The city has experienced 50 chargeable homicides so far in 2025, according to Birmingham Police Department statistics, though this represents a significant decrease from the 117 recorded at the same point in 2024.
The Alum Rock area has witnessed several serious violent incidents in recent years. In March 2025, a 15-year-old boy was stabbed near the junction of Alum Rock Road and College Road, leading to the arrest of a 21-year-old man on attempted murder charges. The boy survived that attack.
West Midlands Police have established multiple channels for the public to provide information about Khan’s whereabouts. Members of the public can upload information directly to the West Midlands Police Public Portal at mipp.police.uk, use the force’s Live Chat facility, or call 101, quoting log 527 of September 5.
For those wishing to remain anonymous, information can be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The independent charity offers cash rewards of up to £5,000 for information that leads to arrests and convictions in serious crimes.
The urgency of the manhunt reflects the serious nature of the investigation and concerns about public safety. Police have not disclosed whether Khan is believed to be armed, but their strong warnings against approaching him suggest they consider him potentially dangerous.
Local residents have expressed shock at the violent incident. One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s terrifying to think something like this could happen on our doorstep. We’re all keeping our doors locked and being extra vigilant.”
The investigation team is working to establish the motive for the attack and any connection between Khan and the victim. Detectives are examining whether this was a targeted assault or a random attack, though police have not released details about the circumstances leading to the stabbing.
Birmingham has been grappling with knife crime as part of wider concerns about violent offences across the West Midlands. The region has seen various initiatives aimed at reducing knife-related violence, including increased stop-and-search powers and community intervention programmes.
West Midlands Police have increased their visible presence in the Alum Rock area to provide reassurance to concerned residents. Neighbourhood policing teams are engaging with local communities to address concerns and gather information that might assist the investigation.
The force has emphasised that this appears to be an isolated incident, though they are urging residents to remain vigilant whilst Khan remains at large. Extra patrols have been deployed to the area as a precautionary measure.
Detective Inspector Barnes stressed the importance of public cooperation in locating Khan quickly: “Every piece of information, no matter how small it might seem, could be crucial in helping us locate Khan and bring him into custody.”
The investigation remains in its early stages, with detectives following multiple lines of enquiry. Officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the Alum Rock Road area between 6:30am and 7:30am on Friday morning who might have witnessed suspicious activity.
Forensic specialists continue to examine the crime scene for evidence that could provide crucial leads in the investigation. The post-mortem examination of the victim will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death and gather forensic evidence.
As the manhunt continues, police are liaising with neighbouring forces in case Khan attempts to leave the West Midlands area. Alerts have been issued to transport hubs including railway stations and airports.
The tragic incident has reignited discussions about community safety and the need for continued efforts to combat violent crime in Birmingham. Local councillors have called for increased resources to tackle knife crime and support communities affected by violence.
Anyone who spots Khan or has information about his whereabouts is urged to call 999 immediately, treating it as an emergency. The public should not attempt to detain or approach him under any circumstances.
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