A major shopping centre in the West Midlands has moved to reassure the public after a violent incident on one of the busiest retail days of the year. A teenager was chased through the Merry Hill complex and attacked with a machete on Black Friday, prompting a significant police response and an arrest.
Chase and Attack in Busy Shopping Centre
The alarming event unfolded at approximately 3:30 pm on Friday, November 28, 2025. According to reports received by West Midlands Police, a group of males was seen pursuing another gang through the crowded shopping centre. Horrified shoppers who witnessed the chase immediately dialled 999.
The pursuit culminated in a 17-year-old boy being stabbed in the back with a machete. Emergency services attended the scene, and the injured teenager was transported to hospital for treatment. The specific nature and severity of his injuries have not been publicly disclosed.
Police Investigation and Arrest
In the wake of the attack, detectives launched an investigation. Their enquiries led to the arrest of a 16-year-old male on Saturday, November 29, at around 5:00 pm. He was detained on suspicion of wounding with intent.
Police have confirmed they are still actively appealing for information. A statement from West Midlands Police read: "We received a number of calls from members of the public who were in the centre at the time. We still need to hear from anyone who has mobile phone footage, who saw what happened, or who has any other information."
The force has provided a specific log number for the incident: 3541 of 28/11/25. Anyone with information is urged to contact them via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website or by calling 101.
Centre Management's Response and Reassurance
Jonathan Poole, the centre manager at Merry Hill, addressed the incident, describing it as an "isolated incident" and emphasising that the complex remains a safe destination. In a statement, Mr Poole said: "Merry Hill has been supporting West Midlands Police following Friday's isolated incident. We’re pleased a suspect has now been arrested, and we continue to support the police while they investigate further."
He stressed the centre's commitment to safety, adding: "Our number one priority is to make Merry Hill a safe place to visit, and we take any form of anti-social behaviour extremely seriously. As a centre, we consistently work alongside West Midlands Police and local organisations to ensure the centre remains a welcoming environment for all visitors."
To provide public reassurance, West Midlands Police confirmed that extra officers would be patrolling in and around the Merry Hill shopping centre over the weekend following the attack.
The incident caused significant disruption on the day, with visitors caught in lengthy tailbacks as they attempted to leave the centre's car park amidst the police activity. The stabbing has raised concerns about safety in one of the region's largest retail hubs, particularly on high-footfall days like Black Friday.
