14-Year-Old Boy Fatally Stabbed In Birmingham Was Racially Abused Before Attack: Police

A 14-year-old boy from Birmingham was subjected to racial abuse before he was chased down a busy road and fatally stabbed, police have said.

Six people were arrested in connection with the attack on Dea-John Reid, which took place in Kingstanding, an area in north Birmingham, England.

Two teenagers, aged 13 and 14, have been taken into custody. Four men, aged 33, 35, 36 and 38 have also been detained, reported BBC News.

The victim was reportedly subjected to racist language. The abuse is believed to have included the "N-word," The Guardian said in a report.

The incident escalated and the suspects chased Reid toward a nearby McDonald's. The suspects fled the scene after the boy collapsed.

Reid died at the scene. Post-mortem reports revealed that he had died from a stab wound to the chest.

"As the investigation has progressed we now believe there was an incident involving Dea-John and his friends shortly before the murder. That quickly escalated, resulting in Dea-John's tragic death," DCI Stu Mobberley from the West Midlands police homicide unit said as per The Guardian.

Reid's family described the victim as an "incredibly talented young boy" in a tribute. The family also said, "We'd like to thank the emergency services for their diligence and support… and the public for their outpouring of love and support throughout this tragic and challenging time."

"This loss not only affects us but everyone Dea-John knew. We have lost a son, his siblings have lost a brother and others have lost a friend, " the family added. "The passing of this incredibly talented young boy will be felt by us all."

Police are investigating the potential of a racial motivation behind the incident, but detectives reportedly remained unconvinced that the killing was a hate crime.

Local community activist Desmond Jaddoo, who had raised eyewitness concerns about racist abuse to the chief constable earlier in the week, expressed his disappointment with the police for initially dismissing the possibility that the crime was racially motivated. "People are still uncomfortable talking about race in this country," he said.

According to The Guardian, police have long been accused by members of the community of failing to treat hate crimes seriously and for not dealing with them effectively. However, police claim that they have improved immensely over the years.

Authorities are still investigating the incident and are asking anyone with information on the matter to come forward.