Boy, 16, fighting for life after shooting near Birmingham mosque | UK | News
A 16-year-old boy suffered potentially life-threatening injuries after being shot in Birmingham, police said.
West Midlands Police said the boy was taken to hospital with a gunshot wound following the shooting on Bowyer Road, near St Saviors Road in the Alum Rock area of the city, shortly before 5.30pm on Wednesday.
Authorities said in their statement that although the attack took place near a mosque, they did not think the incident was related to it at this stage.
Police said: “Our investigation is at an early stage and officers remain at the scene to carry out forensic and CCTV inquiries and speak to people in the area.
“We understand this is extremely worrying for people in the area and local authorities will remain there to speak to anyone who has concerns.”
Emergency crews set up a police cordon and rushed to Bowyer Road in the early hours of Wednesday.
Councilors Nosheen Khalid and Shaukat Mahmood issued a statement urging the public to refrain from spreading speculation both in the area and online.
They said: “Like many local residents, we are deeply saddened by the serious incident at Alum Rock this evening.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the young man, his family, loved ones and everyone affected by what happened.
“We spoke with the authorities at the scene.
“Due to ongoing police incident the upper part of Bowyer Road is currently closed.
“Residents are advised to avoid using Bowyer Road as a route to St Saviour’s Way or Arden Way until further notice and to follow current guidance.
“In times like these, we want everyone to come together as a community with compassion and respect.
“Please refrain from speculating about what happened or sharing photos or video from the scene.
“Unverified information could cause further distress to families and hinder police investigations.”
The statement said: “Please give our emergency services the space they need to do their jobs and keep those affected in your thoughts and prayers.”
