Birmingham city centre stabbings leave two men dead Published duration 11 January 2013

image caption West Midlands Police have cordoned off part of Martineau Place and Union Street

Two men have been stabbed to death in Birmingham city centre.

West Midlands Police said one man was stabbed outside Sainsbury's in Martineau Place and the other was found slumped near Boots in Union Street.

Officers arrested a man near the Odeon cinema in New Street minutes after the stabbings and forensic teams had cordoned the area off, the force said.

The police are appealing for any witnesses to the stabbings, which happened at 17:50 GMT, to come forward.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said its crews arrived at the scene to find two men, who are believed to be in their 40s, being given first aid by police officers and passers-by.

A spokeswoman said: "Both men went into cardiac arrest.

"Crews and the team of medics administered advanced life support to both men but sadly, despite the best efforts, nothing could be done to save them."

Insp David Keen said: "There are potentially hundreds of witnesses, either people who saw the stabbings or the offender leaving the scene.

"I'd urge people to get in touch immediately - they could have vital information."