A second suspect has been arrested after the murder of a 22-year-old man who was stabbed in the chest near Halesowen on Monday night.

The victim, named locally as Alex Leonard, died in hospital after being stabbed in Woodgate Gardens, Bartley Green, at around 10.45pm. Police detained a boy aged 16 on suspicion of murder shortly after the stabbing and have now arrested a 21-year-old man on suspicion of the same offence. 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."