Smethwick: An 18-year-old British-Pakistani teenager was fatally stabbed outside a mosque in Smethwick, near Birmingham, in a knife attack that has deeply shaken the local community during the holy month of Ramadan.
The incident occurred on Friday evening outside Oldbury Jamia Masjid while worshippers were inside offering Taraweeh prayers.
Victim Identified, Two Others Injured
The victim has been identified as Zeeshan Afzal, an 18-year-old resident of Smethwick. Two other young men, aged 19 and 22, were also injured in the attack and were taken to hospital. Police said their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Worshippers leaving the mosque described scenes of distress, with a large police and paramedic presence outside. The stabbing reportedly took place in the mosque’s car park, which was immediately cordoned off as officers secured the scene.
Mosque Goers Held Inside as Area Sealed
People inside the mosque were asked to remain indoors for approximately 40 minutes, while those who had driven to the mosque were later informed they could not move their vehicles, as the car park had been declared a crime scene.
In a statement, West Midlands Police said officers were called following reports of disorder at the car park of Jamia Masjid Chashma-e-Rahmat.
Upon arrival, officers found Zeeshan Afzal with stab wounds. Despite emergency medical treatment at the scene, he later died from his injuries.
Murder Investigation Launched
Police have launched a murder investigation and are working to establish what led to the attack and who was involved. Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
Authorities said that, at this stage, the incident is not being treated as racially or religiously motivated. A visible police presence will remain in the area to reassure local residents.
The attack has cast a pall over the community during Ramadan, a time traditionally marked by peace, reflection, and communal prayer.
