Brownhills stabbing: Mylee Billingham headmaster says school 'numb' Published duration 22 January 2018

image copyright Family handout image caption Mylee Billingham died in hospital shortly after being found seriously injured

The head teacher of a school attended by an eight-year-old who was stabbed to death says it is "numb and in shock".

The 54-year-old man arrested for her death is understood to be her father.

She attended St James Primary in Brownhills. Head Andy Nicholls said her smile "lit up the room" and that the school was "completely devastated".

Mr Nicholls said that Mylee enjoyed singing and performing.

image copyright PA image caption Tributes have been left outside the house in Brownhills where Mylee was found whilst investigations continue

media caption Head teacher pays tribute after stabbing of Mylee Billingham in Brownhills

Her father, believed to be Bill Billingham, is critically ill in hospital with a stab wound to the stomach. He will be questioned in due course, police said.

A post-mortem examination on Mylee is scheduled to take place later.

Police are treating the stabbing as a "domestic incident" and are not looking for anyone else in connection with Mylee's death.

Mylee's uncle - Mr Billingham's brother - is former SAS sergeant major Mark Billingham, who appears in Channel 4's show SAS: Who Dares Wins.

He issued a short statement asking that the family's privacy be respected.

image copyright Facebook image caption Mylee's father, believed to be Bill Billingham, is in a critical condition in hospital

Det Insp Jim Colclough said it was "an absolutely tragic set of circumstances".

Neighbour Graham Greatrex, 74, told how he helped comfort the girl's mother after the incident.

He said: "She was in shock. I just offered her a warm drink because it was a bitterly cold night."

Walsall Council leader Sean Coughlan said he was "in shock and complete disbelief" following the news of Mylee's death, adding, "the entire area will be left reeling in deep shock".

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