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A teenager has died after a stabbing in Smethwick, prompting a murder investigation by West Midlands Police.
Officers were called to reports of disorder outside a mosque on Oldbury Road shortly before 9pm on February 20. At the scene, they discovered an 18-year-old man suffering from serious injuries. Despite emergency response efforts, he later died.
In a statement, the force said their thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends during what they described as a devastating time.
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Two other men, aged 19 and 22, were also taken to hospital. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Police said the incident is not currently being treated as religiously or racially aggravated. However, investigators are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding what happened and identify all those involved.
Given the distressing nature of the incident, additional officers will remain in the area over the coming days to reassure the local community.
Detectives are reviewing CCTV footage and carrying out further enquiries. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information — including mobile phone or dashcam footage — is urged to contact police on 101, quoting log number 4896 of 20 February. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
A worshipper who was at the mosque described the tense moments following the incident. Speaking to BirminghamLive, the 52-year-old said congregants had been inside for Taraweeh prayers when they emerged to find emergency services at the scene.
He said police instructed them to return inside while the area was sealed off. Although they were later allowed to leave, they were unable to retrieve their vehicles. He described the atmosphere as panicked and shocking, recalling that it was around 9.40pm at the time.
