The family of a woman who died after being stabbed in the neck in Birmingham city centre have paid tribute to her.

Katie Fox, 34, was described by her loved ones as a “shining light in their lives” after she was reported on Monday to have died in hospital.

She had been left critically injured after she was attacked in Smallbrook Queensway shortly before 9pm on Friday night.

Her family said in a statement released by West Midlands Police: “Gone too soon Dear Katie, so beautiful and kind.

“A part of us was snatched away on that very fateful night, a part of us also vanished suddenly, when you passed away, leaving us all with such sadness and heartache.

“You were a shining light in our lives, you were so special in every way, you were everything a daughter could be and much more.

“Your loss to us has been so hard to bear and so hard to comprehend, but we know that you are still with us and giving us the strength in every way. You are, our guardian angel.

“God bless you Katie, our special and gentle daughter.

“Thank you to all, who have showed support during this most difficult time.

“Thank you also to the paramedics, police, and ITU at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for their professionalism and companionship.

“We ask at this most difficult time that we be allowed to grieve the loss of our most precious daughter in peace and in privacy.

“God bless Katie, forever in our hearts.”

Djeison Rafael, 21, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Monday morning, accused of murdering Ms Fox.

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