A TOP Dudley cop has reassured residents that there was "no link" between the three stabbings that have taken place in the borough within eight days.

Superintendent Phil Dolby has spoke out after police launched a murder probe following the death of a 24-year-old, who was stabbed in the stomach in Brierley Hill High Street on Saturday evening.

His death comes after two men were seriously injured during separate knife attacks in Lower Gornal and Sedgley last weekend.

Supt Dolby told the News that the attacks were not linked and in all three cases, investigations were leading officers to believe the victims and attackers were known to each other.

"This isn't any kind of trend or an out of control situation in terms of knife crime," he continued.

"It is just an unfortunate set of circumstances. It's my job to make people feel confident in where they live and Dudley is by far one of the safer places to live."

Although Supt Dolby was unable to say if the weapon used in the fatal weekend attack had been found in a nearby wooded area, he said the investigation was progressing, adding: "We've got good CCTV and a lot of really good witnesses. We've been really supported by the public and local businesses."

He said in the wake of the recent stabbings, the force would continue to work with partners to educate people about the consequences of carrying a knife.

"The sort of things we're looking at is what can we do to stop people from carrying a knife and how can we intervene in a person's life years before to stop them taking that path. We want to help people make the right decisions and prevent people from harming themselves or others. We'll be continuing to give people better options."

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson, added: “Following the recent knife attacks in Dudley, the police are working round the clock to bring those responsible to justice, support the victims and their families and reassure the community.

“Tackling knife crime is a top priority and my office has been approached by community leaders in Dudley about the installation of a knife surrender bin in the borough – something we are pleased to support.

“I want to reassure the public West Midlands Police is doing all it can to protect the community and bring those responsible before the courts.”