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U.K. police have opened a murder investigation after an 18-year-old was fatally stabbed outside a mosque in England’s West Midlands during Ramadan, authorities said.
Emergency services responded to reports of violence outside a place of worship on Oldbury Road in Smethwick, near Birmingham, shortly before 9:00 p.m. GMT on Friday. Officers found the teenager with critical injuries, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim was later identified as Zeshan Afzal, a resident of Smethwick.
Two other men, aged 19 and 22, were also hurt in the incident and taken to hospital. Police said their injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Authorities confirmed that the stabbing took place during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when mosques often host increased evening gatherings. However, investigators said there was no indication at this stage that the attack was motivated by religious or racial factors.
West Midlands Police said officers were working to determine the sequence of events and identify those responsible. Investigators were reviewing surveillance footage and conducting inquiries in the surrounding area.
"We’re working to establish the full circumstances and who was involved," a police spokesperson said, adding that CCTV footage was being examined alongside other evidence.
The force said patrols would remain visible in Smethwick to reassure local residents as the investigation continued.
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