The tragic details were revealed as detectives urged the occupants of four cars pictured in the area to come forward.

James Brindley was comforted by four schoolboys on the way home from their prom before dying with his parents on Aldridge High Street, the detective leading the investigation confirmed today. The details were revealed as officers appealed for the drivers of four cars to come forward following the death of the 26-year-old on Friday night.

Police say that the 'callous' attack took place over a matter of seconds just out of view of CCTV in the Little Aston Road area near to The Croft Park. Detective Inspector Jim Munro, from West Midlands Police, said:

"James had been out drinking in the Wetherspoons pub with friends on Friday evening when he started to make his way home. He was on the phone to his girlfriend when he was walking on the Little Aston Road and then was approached and stabbed.

"Four 16-year-old lads just leaving their school prom were the first to assist James by calling emergency services and providing immediate first aid. They were also able to get in touch with James’ parents who live in the vicinity. He sadly died in their arms on the corner of the High Street.

“We know that four vehicles were travelling along Little Aston Road towards Aldridge town centre at the time we believe James was stabbed and we are very keen to speak to the occupants of those cars, two light in colour and the other two darker, as they may have seen what happened and could lead us to the killer."

No murder weapon has been found but a post mortem showed he died by way of a single stab wound to the heart. Detective Inspector Munro continued:

"This attack took place over a matter of seconds. We are now urging people to come forward with any information, especially those who are responsible for this awful, callous attack.

"This could have been a chance meeting. We know that he was not followed home by anyone from the pub nor did any particular incident happen at the pub beforehand.

"There is no clear motive for this attack at present but we remain open minded and continue to extensively search the area. We believe it may have been a knife used and also appeal to people to tell police if they find any sharp object out of place in the area."

Mr Brindley, who was unemployed when he died, had previously worked at the local gym and had high hopes of setting up a healthy food business. A fundraising page set up to help pay for Mr Brindley's funeral raised more than £4,000 in less than 12 hours after it was set up on Saturday evening. Detective Inspector Munro added:

“James’ family and friends are devastated by his loss and we need to bring his killer to justice.

"Someone will have knowledge of this attack and I would ask them to search their conscience and do the right thing. If you can’t speak to police then please call Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Information can be given by calling police on 101 or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.