Police have launched a murder probe after a teenager was knifed to death outside a mosque during Ramadan celebrations.
Cops were alerted following reports of disorder outside the place of worship on Oldbury Road in Smethwick, near Birmingham, on Friday evening.
An 18-year-old boy was found with serious wounds and died at the scene.
Two other men, aged 19 and 22, were also injured and were rushed to the hospital, but their wounds are not believed to be life-threatening.
Police have opened a murder investigation, but said the incident is not being treated as religiously or racially aggravated at this stage.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said in a statement: ‘We’re working to establish the full circumstances and who was involved.
‘We’re reviewing CCTV and carrying out other enquiries in the area.
‘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.’
Police guard a cordon at Oldbury Jamia Mosque in Smethwick near Birmingham where a suspect is reported to have stabbed multiple individuals near the mosque
‘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,’ the police force added.
This is a breaking story, more to follow.
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