A teenage boy is in critical condition after he was shot near a mosque in Birmingham on Wednesday evening.
West Midlands Police received reports of a shooting on Bowyer Road, near St Saviours Road in Alum Rock, at 5.30pm.
A 16-year-old boy was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds and is in a life-threatening condition.
Police said the incident is not currently believed to be linked to the Zia Ul Quran Masjid mosque.
“We understand this is extremely worrying for people in the area, and local officers will be remaining there to speak to anyone with concerns,” West Midlands Police said in a statement.
The force has not confirmed any arrests made in connection to the incident.
They have urged anyone with information to come forward, and said they were especially keen to speak to members of the public who have dashcam or doorbell footage.
open image in gallery“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,” police added.
Birmingham City councillors Nosheen Khalid and Shaukat Mahmood said they were “deeply saddened” by the incident, and asked the public to avoid online speculation.
In a joint statement, they said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the young man, their family and loved ones, and everyone affected by what has happened.
“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.
“Please allow our emergency services the space they need to carry out their work, and keep those affected in your thoughts and prayers.”
Police have asked anyone who has footage or saw what happened to call 101 or contact them via Live Chat on their website by quoting log 4638 of 1 July.
Anyone who wishes to speak anonymously can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, they added.