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A teenage boy from Pakistan has tragically lost his life following a brutal stabbing outside a mosque on Friday evening. The incident occurred outside Oldbury Jamia Masjid in Smethwick, a town bordering Birmingham, as worshippers were inside the mosque completing the Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan.
The victim has been identified as 18-year-old Zeeshan Afzal, a resident of Smethwick. Two other young men, aged 19 and 22, are also receiving treatment for stab wounds at a nearby hospital, but their injuries are not considered life-threatening.
The community is deeply affected and distressed by this tragic event, which unfolded during the holy month of Ramadan. Witnesses at the mosque reported their shock at the heavy police and emergency presence when they stepped outside after prayers.
Since the stabbing took place in the parking lot, authorities cordoned off the area. Police instructed residents to stay indoors and did not allow them to leave for roughly 40 minutes. When permitted to leave, they were not allowed to remove their vehicles, as the scene was designated a crime scene.
According to West Midlands police, they responded after members of the public called them about a disturbance in the parking lot of Jamia Masjid Chashma-e-Rahmat on Oldbury Road. Upon arrival, officers found Zeeshan Afzal with multiple stab wounds; despite paramedic efforts, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
In the aftermath, the police launched a murder investigation, working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those responsible. A police spokesperson stated, “A murder inquiry is ongoing following the tragic death of a teenager stabbed in Smethwick.” They added that they are committed to supporting Zeeshan’s family during this difficult time.
While investigators have yet to uncover the motive behind the attack, they have urged locals and witnesses to come forward with any information they might have. The police have also emphasized that, at this stage, the incident is not believed to be racially or religiously motivated, and they reassured the community that measures are in place to maintain safety.
“Although the incident occurred outside a mosque, there is currently no evidence to suggest it was driven by racial or religious hatred,” a police statement read. “We understand this event has caused significant concern, and we will maintain a visible police presence in the area to help reassure residents.”
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