TWO MEN WHO were stabbed to death in Birmingham city centre last night were both Big Issue sellers, the magazine has confirmed.

The fatal attack happened just before 6pm on Friday night near busy shops. One of the victims was found stabbed outside a Sainsbury’s supermarket while the other was discovered outside a nearby Boots pharmacy.

Passers-by and police officers administered first aid but the men, both in their 30s, were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigating police arrested a 23-year-old man minutes after the incident and he remains in custody.

West Midland Police said there were a large number of people in the area at the time and appealed for anyone with information or who may have seen the offender leave the scene to come forward.

John Bird, the founder and editor of the Big Issue, said the attack highlighted the vulnerability of people who live on the streets.

“Myself and everyone at The Big Issue has been deeply saddened to hear the tragic news that two of our well-liked Birmingham based vendors were stabbed to death in the city centre yesterday evening,” he said in a statement this evening.

We are struggling to make any sense of this utterly senseless attack, and our sincerest condolences go out to the families of the victims.

This awful crime, perpetuated against two hard working, mild mannered men, only serves to illustrate the extreme vulnerability of people who live and work on the streets.

West Midlands Police released this video appeal for information about the stabbings:

(Video: westmidlandspolice/YouTube)