POLICE have been out and about in Stourbridge today in the wake of a murder at the weekend.

Officers have been in and around the bus station after 16-year-old Joe Riches was stabbed in Coventry Street on Saturday.

They have been asking people to walk through a metal-detecting knife arch. 

The crime has sent shockwaves through the town - with police providing a response to reassure residents as well as gathering potential information.

Wollaston and Stourbridge Town councillor Cat Eccles said on twitter: "Brilliant @ST_Police initiative this morning with @StourbridgeWMP and colleagues highlighting ASB and #knifecrime "This was followed by a patrol around the town to speak to rough sleepers and traders."

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "There will be increased police activity in and around Stourbridge bus station today as officers continue to appeal for information."

Dudley Police said on social media: "We’re on patrol in Stourbridge today, responding to ongoing concerns from residents about anti-social behaviour, including aggressive begging and harassment, taking place in the town centre.

"We’ve planned this operation with partners and have been joined by local councillors and members of the ASB action team at Dudley borough.

"We all want to work to together to deal with this issue, helping those who genuinely need support while taking robust action against those involved in criminal activity.

"We’ve also been joined by colleagues from Safer Travel and we’ve put a knife arch in place at the bus station in town.

"We know that the local community was shocked at the stabbing which occurred on Saturday, and while we’re making progress with that investigation, we had previously planned for the arch to be put up as part of our continuing efforts to deal with knife crime.

"We hope our presence will provide reassurance to residents that we’re listening to their concerns and are committed to keeping them safe."

Four teenagers charged with Joe's murder will appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court today.

They are, 19-year-old Dray Simmonds, of Dixon Green Road, Dudley, and 19-year-old Joshua Edgington, of Hallewell Road, Birmingham and two 16-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons.