Zeshan Afzal was discovered with serious stab wounds following disorder on Oldbury Road
Zeshan Afzal
A teenager has been arrested after an 18-year-old was stabbed to death outside a mosque.
Zeshan Afzal was found with serious stab wounds following a disorder near to Jamia Masjid on Oldbury Road in Smethwick.
Police were called to the scene at around 9pm on Friday, February 20. A 17-year-old boy has now been arrested on suspicion of murder, West Midlands Police said.
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They added: “A 17-year-old boy has been arrested after a teenager was fatally stabbed in Smethwick on Friday evening.
“Zeshan Afzal, 18 was discovered with serious stab wounds following disorder on Oldbury Road just before 9pm on 20 February. He was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.
The entrance to the Oldbury Jamia Masjid in Oldbury Road, Smethwick cordoned off with police tape with a forensics officer pictued on the other side
“As part of our investigation, we have now arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody for questioning. Our enquires are continuing and we urge anyone who has not yet spoken to us to come forward.
“You can submit mobile phone or dash cam footage here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/20HQ25B64-PO1. You can also contact us on 101 quoting log number 4896 of 20 February. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 55511.”
His family posted a tribute following Zeshan’s death. They said: “His kindness, generosity, and laughter touched everyone who knew him.
“To lose him during Ramadan has been an indescribable pain.”
A GoFundMe appeal has since been set up in Zeshan’s memory.
A statement on the page says: “This Ramadan, a month of mercy, forgiveness, and immense reward, we were tested in the most heartbreaking way. Our beloved brother was tragically taken from us during this sacred month — a time when the gates of Jannah are open and deeds are multiplied.
“He was a son, a brother, a friend, and a light in our lives.
“His kindness, generosity, and laughter touched everyone who knew him.
“To lose him during Ramadan has been an indescribable pain, but we hold onto the promise of Allah’s mercy and the hope that this blessed month is a sign of honor for him.
“The Prophet taught us that when a person passes, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah), beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them.
“We are raising funds in his name to serve as sadaqah jariyah — a source of continuous reward for him in his grave and a means of light for him in the hereafter.”