Boy, 16, fighting for life after Birmingham mosque shooting

A 16-year-old boy was rushed to hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries after he was shot near a mosque in Birmingham

A teenager has been left with potentially life-threatening injuries after he was shot in Birmingham, according to police.

The 16-yea-old boy was rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds after the attack on Bowyer Road, near St Saviours Road, in the Alum Rock area of the city, shortly before 5.30pm on Wednesday, West Midlands Police said.

Although the shooting happened near a mosque, officers do not believe at this stage the incident was linked to it, the force said in a statement this evening.

The force said: “Our investigation is at an early stage, and officers remain at the scene carrying out forensic and CCTV enquiries, and speaking to people in the area.

“We understand this is extremely worrying for people in the area, and local officers will be remaining there to speak to anyone with concerns.”, reports the Mirror.

A substantial emergency service presence was reported on Bowyer Road earlier today with a police cordon in place, Birmingham Live reports.

Meanwhile, Councillors Nosheen Khalid and Shaukat Mahmood issued a statement this evening urging the public to avoid both the area and spreading speculation online.

They said: “Like so many residents this evening, we are deeply saddened by the serious incident that has taken place in Alum Rock.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the young man, their family and loved ones, and everyone affected by what has happened.

“We’ve spoken with officers at the scene.

“Due to the ongoing police incident, the top of Bowyer Road is currently closed.

“Residents are advised to avoid using Bowyer Road as a route to St Saviour’s Road or Arden Road until further notice and to follow any diversions in place.

“At times like this, we would ask everyone to come together as a community with compassion and respect.

“Please avoid speculating about what has happened or sharing photos or videos from the scene.

“Unverified information can cause further distress to families and may hinder the police investigation.”

The statement continued: “Please allow our emergency services the space they need to carry out their work, and keep those affected in your thoughts and prayers.”