22-year-old Phillip Simelane has now been charged with the murder of Christina Edkins (West Midlands Police)
22-year-old Phillip Simelane has now been charged with the murder of Christina Edkins (West Midlands Police)

Police have charged a 22-year-old man on suspicion of murdering 16-year-old Christina Edkins on a Birmingham bus.

West Midlands Police confirmed that 22-year-old Phillip Simelane, of Walsall, is to be formally charged with the schoolgirl's murder.

Edkins died from a single knife wound to the chest in the morning rush-hour stabbing in Five Ways in the centre of Birmingham.

Since his arrest on the day of the stabbing, the suspect has been held at a secure unit for mental health assessment.

Christina's parents Jason and Kathleen Edkins have spoken for the first time about the death of their daughter, describing her as a "bubbly, beautiful and intelligent" teenager.

They added: "We are heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful princess, Christina, and it's hard to find words to describe the pain we're all feeling.

"Her family and friends will remember her as an amazing individual with her whole life ahead of her. Our lives will never be the same again.

"We've heard talk of protests in Christina's name, clamouring for swift justice. But as a family we'd urge people to remain calm, be patient and let the legal process take its course."