REDDITCH police have launched an investigation after an 18-year-old received a fatal stab wound in Redditch town centre on Wednesday evening.

Liam Gall, of Mountfields Close, Druids Heath, died from a serious stab injury to his abdomen despite a two-hour battle by paramedics and Alexandra Hospital surgical staff to save him.

The incident happened at 7pm in the vicinity of the Royal Square Market area.

A Redditch ambulance spokesman said: "The alarm was raised by a member of the public who called the ambulance service and police to the incident.

"Paramedics arrived on the scene within a couple of minutes of the call.

"A police officer drove the ambulance to the hospital while a paramedic and ambulance technician aided the victim in the back of the ambulance.

"This is a very rare occurrence but was thought the best course of action to give him any chance of survival given the gravity of the situation.

"Mr Gall was rushed to the Alexandra Hospital where a crash team carried out emergency surgery in an attempt to save his life but he died at about 9.30pm.

"A trauma team consisting of an anaesthetist, surgeon, specialist nurses and doctors stabilised him before he was taken into the operating theatre."

Police and scenes of crime officers cordoned off a large section of the town centre and praised townsfolk, market traders and motorists for their patience with the ensuing congestion.

A 19-year-old is assisting police with their inquiries.