Teenager stabbed to death outside mosque and two others wounded
A teenager has been stabbed to death outside a mosque, with two others taken to hospital.
Police were called to reports of a disorder outside Oldbury Jamia Mosque on Oldbury Road in Smethwick near Birmingham, shortly before 9pm on Friday.
An 18-year-old man was found dead while two other men, aged 19 and 22, were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
West Midlands Police have launched a murder investigation following the altercation.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.
The incident, taking place in the holy month of Ramadan, is not being treated as religiously or racially aggravated.
An investigation to establish the full circumstances remains ongoing.
The police shared their condolences to the teenager’s family and said in a statement: ‘Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this devastating time’.
The force said extra officers will be in the area as investigations continue.
Officers have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the police.
‘We’re reviewing CCTV and carrying out other enquiries in the area,’ West Midlands Police said.
‘We would urge witnesses or people with information, including mobile phone or dashcam footage, to please contact us on 101 quoting log number 4896 of 20 February. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
‘We understand how deeply distressing and concerning this incident is and we will have extra officers in the area over the coming days to offer reassurance to the community.’
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.