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Police face mounting pressure as suspects remain at large after mosque-side stabbing-More than 24 hours after the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Zeshan Afzal, West Midlands Police have confirmed that no arrests have been made. Despite an intensive homicide investigation launched after the disorder outside the Jamia Masjid mosque on Oldbury Road, the perpetrators remain at large. This lack of immediate progress has drawn sharp criticism from the community, as the critical first 24 hours have passed without any suspects in custody, Daily Dazzling Dawn realised.
British Pakistani Teenager Identified-The victim has been officially named as Zeshan Afzal, a British Pakistani teenager from the Smethwick area. He was a well-known local youth, described as the beloved son of Muhammad Afzal, with close family ties to Oldbury and Mohra Sher Shah in Pakistan. As the community mourns his loss during the holy month of Ramadan, the urgency for justice has only intensified.
Family Appeals and Janaza Updates-In a statement shared through community networks, the Afzal family has asked for privacy and requested that well-wishers do not visit their home address. They are urging for "patience and justice" while they navigate this devastating loss. While official Janaza (funeral) arrangements have not yet been finalized, updates are expected to be shared via local community notification services as soon as the body is released by the coroner.
Investigation and Survivor Status-Detectives from the Homicide Unit are continuing to review a vast amount of CCTV footage and digital evidence from the Oldbury Road area in a bid to identify those involved in the pre-incident disorder. The two other men injured in the attack, aged 19 and 22, are still receiving hospital treatment; their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Police have reiterated that they are exploring all leads, even though they currently do not believe the incident was religiously or racially motivated.
Read more-Smethwick Mosque Tragedy: Zeshan Afzal Identified as Victim
Community Reassurance and Calls for Action-A high-visibility police presence will remain in Smethwick over the coming days to provide reassurance to the public. However, community members are demanding more than just a presence, calling for swift arrests to ensure public safety. Anyone with information, mobile phone footage, or dashcam recordings is urged to contact West Midlands Police via their Public Portal or by calling 101, quoting log number 4896 of 20 February, or to call Crimestoppers at 0800 555111.
