18-year-old fatally stabbed outside in central England mosque during Ramadan

• Teen fatally stabbed outside Smethwick mosque during Ramadan; police launch murder investigation.

A murder investigation is underway after an 18‑year‑old man was fatally stabbed outside a mosque in central England on Friday evening, police said.

The incident occurred shortly before 9 p.m. on 20 February 2026 outside the Oldbury Jamia Mosque on Oldbury Road in Smethwick, near Birmingham, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Officers from West Midlands Police were called to reports of “disorder” outside the mosque. They found the teenager, later identified by police as Zeshan Afzal, from Smethwick, with serious stab wounds. Despite emergency responders’ efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two other men, aged 19 and 22, were also injured in the incident and taken to hospital; their injuries are not believed to be life‑threatening, authorities said.

Police Statement and Investigation

West Midlands Police said detectives have opened a murder investigation to establish the full circumstances of the attack and to identify those responsible. Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and conducting enquiries in the area as part of their efforts.

A police spokesperson stated that at this stage the incident is not being treated as religiously or racially aggravated, despite occurring outside a place of worship during Ramadan, a period marked by communal prayers and fasting.

Authorities have urged anyone who witnessed the stabbing or who may have relevant mobile phone or dashcam footage to contact police. Witnesses can call West Midlands Police on 101, quoting log number 4896 of 20 February, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.

Community Reaction and Police Presence

The stabbing has shocked local residents and worshippers. In response, police said they will increase officer presence in the area in the coming days to offer reassurance to the community while the investigation continues.

The mosque, typically a hub of community activity especially during Ramadan evenings, remained cordoned off Saturday as forensic teams worked at the scene.