13 youths on trial for teenager's murder at Smethwick mosque

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 16:49 · Archive

Thirteen teenagers are on trial for the murder of Zeshan Afzal, 18, stabbed in the heart outside a Smethwick mosque during Ramadan.

Zeshan Afzal, 18, died from a stab wound to the heart in the car park of Oldbury Jamia Mosque in Smethwick on 20 February. Prosecutors say he was 'brutally attacked' by thirteen youths in what they describe as a 'well-planned and orchestrated attack'. He was punched, kicked and stamped on at least 10 to 15 times, it is alleged. After briefly getting to his feet, he collapsed between two cars 'head first' and lay defenceless on the ground as the assault continued.

The fatal stab wound pierced his heart. He could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene. When two friends tried to defend Zeshan, they were also attacked, according to prosecutors. The attack occurred at approximately 8.55pm during Ramadan prayers.

All thirteen defendants deny murder. The trial is being heard at Leicester Crown Court, sitting in Loughborough.

How it is being reported

• Teen 'stabbed in heart outside Smethwick mosque in outburst of extreme violence by 13 youths' - jury toldA total of 13 teenagers are standing trial in connection with the death of Zeshan AfzalBirminghamLive · 9 Oct, 15:40
• Teenager was stabbed in the heart in mosque car park after Ramadan prayers in 'orchestrated' attack, jury toldThirteen youths are on trial for the murder of Zeshan AfzalExpress & Star · 9 Oct, 13:25

In this story: Zeshan Afzal · Oldbury Jamia Mosque · Smethwick · Oldbury · Leicester Crown Court · Loughborough

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem