Smethwick Mosque worshippers told to 'go back inside' after fatal stabbing
Worshippers attending evening prayers at a Smethwick mosque have described the harrowing moment they were told to "go back inside" as police flooded the area following a fatal stabbing incident. The horrific event unfolded outside the Oldbury Jamia Masjid on Oldbury Road in Smethwick on Friday, February 20, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Fatal incident during Ramadan prayers
West Midlands Police confirmed they were alerted to trouble outside the mosque shortly before 9pm. Upon arrival, officers discovered an 18-year-old man had been stabbed and died at the scene. Two other men, aged 19 and 22, were taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. A murder investigation has been launched, with police stating the incident is not currently believed to be religiously or racially motivated.
While a large congregation was inside the mosque for Taraweeh Namaz prayers, the violent altercation occurred outside. As worshippers began to leave after prayers, they encountered a chaotic scene with emergency services already in attendance.
Worshippers describe chaotic scene
One 52-year-old worshipper recounted: "We were inside for prayer when we came out and saw all the people here. It was all men, ambulances and police. The police said 'go back inside the mosque'. They sealed it off and said we could walk out but we couldn't get our cars."
The man, who had to walk home that night and returned on Saturday morning to collect his vehicle, added: "We were very panicked, we were shocked. I came here today and they said to give my mobile number and when everything is open, they would let me know."
More worshippers returned on Saturday to retrieve their vehicles but found the mosque car park sealed off with police tape, a blue forensic tent erected, and investigators working to piece together what had occurred.
Community reaction and police response
Syed Ahmad, 48, who was at the mosque for Isha Namaz prayers, described the aftermath: "I came out at 9.20pm and there was police and ambulances. Police were saying 'is there anybody injured? Is there anybody injured?' On the corner there was police and doctors. It was horrible. People were crying - just young guys."
Javed Iqbal, 52, from Oldbury, expressed his shock: "I've been here a few times and it's shocking. I've seen the forensics. Every week or so you hear of stabbings but you don't think it'll happen somewhere you've been. The families will be devastated."
A police spokesperson stated: "We're reviewing CCTV and carrying out other enquiries in the area. We would urge witnesses or people with information, including mobile phone or dashcam footage, to please contact us on 101 quoting log number 4896 of 20 February. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."
The spokesperson added: "We understand how deeply distressing and concerning this incident is and we will have extra officers in the area over the coming days to offer reassurance to the community."
The incident has left the local Muslim community reeling during what should be a peaceful period of spiritual reflection. The large attendance at the mosque for Ramadan prayers meant many worshippers witnessed the immediate aftermath of the violence, with police cordoning off the area and instructing people to remain inside for their safety as investigations began.
