An 18-year-old man was stabbed to death outside a mosque in Smethwick, near Birmingham, on Friday night, and two others were injured, police said, as officers launched a murder investigation.
Emergency services were called to Jamia Masjid on Oldbury Road shortly before 9 p.m. following reports of disorder outside the building. The teenager was found with serious stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two men, aged 19 and 22, were taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
West Midlands Police said detectives are working to establish the circumstances of the attack and identify those responsible. CCTV footage is being examined and officers are conducting inquiries in the surrounding area.
A cordon remained in place on Saturday as forensic teams continued their work. Police said additional patrols would be deployed in the coming days to reassure residents.
Officers have appealed for witnesses or anyone with mobile phone or dashcam footage to come forward.
The stabbing occurred during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Police said the incident is not currently being treated as religiously or racially motivated.
