COUNCILLORS have moved to reassure the public after a man was fatally stabbed in broad daylight in Brierley Hill High Street.

A murder inquiry was launched after 24-year-old Mansoor Mahmood died in hospital shortly after he was found outside Dixi Chicken diner last Saturday (October 15).

Police believe the incident, which happened at around 4.45pm, was a "targeted attack" and Superintendent Phil Dolby, Dudley's top cop, has stressed "there isn't any kind of out of control situation in terms of knife crime" in the borough.

Dudley News:

A forensic post mortem examination revealed Mr Mahmood (pictured above) died as a result of a stab wound to the stomach in what’s been described as a “shocking” incident by Brierley Hill councillors Zafir Islam and Rachel Harris.

But both say there's no need for people to fear the town.

Cllr Islam said: "Any crime of this horrendous nature has an impact on the community. It was such a sudden and shocking murder right in the middle of the High Street. People are rightly worried - it does create apprehension, anxiety and fear."

But he said: "Supt Dolby has reassured the community that everything is being done to ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice and there's greater vigilance from the police - and I would appeal to anybody that has any relevant information on this situation to talk directly or indirectly, formally or informally, to the police."

Cllr Harris added: "We aren't used to this kind of incident in Brierley Hill."

She stressed there "isn't any cause to panic for people who regularly use the High Street" and added: "I just hope police get to the bottom of the incident as soon as they possibly can. I would advise anyone who knows anything to please contact the police and give them any information they might have."

Witnesses or anyone with information is urged to call Detective Inspector Harry Harrison, who is leading the investigation, on 101 - or speak anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.