Smethwick murder horror as teen stabbed to death in 'disorder' outside mosque
A teenager was stabbed to death outside a mosque in Smethwick, leading to a murder investigation amidst reports of disorder in the area.
A tragic incident unfolded on Oldbury Road in Smethwick when an 18-year-old man was stabbed to death outside a mosque during an apparent disorder on Friday night. The stabbing occurred around 9pm, shortly after police received reports of trouble outside the Oldbury Jamia Masjid as Ramadan was being observed. Emergency services arrived to find the victim with serious injuries, and despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after. Two other individuals, aged 19 and 22, were injured in the altercation and have been hospitalized, though their injuries are not considered life-threatening according to local reports.
The scene was chaotic, with multiple ambulances and police vehicles responding to the emergency, as seen in footage shared online. Witnesses reported seeing a large gathering outside the mosque shortly after the incident, leading to part of Oldbury Road being closed off by authorities to manage the situation and ensure public safety. Fortunately, the road was reopened the following morning, indicating that the immediate danger had passed.
Local police emphasized that while there was some disorder outside the mosque, they do not believe the stabbing was related to the mosque's activities or the ongoing Ramadan festivities. This clarification is crucial in the community context, as it aims to quell potential unrest and reassure community members that such violence is not reflective of the wider Ramadan celebrations or the mosque's environment. The police investigation is ongoing, as community members seek justice for the tragic loss of a young life.