Boy, 16, fighting for life after shooting near Birmingham mosque

A 16-year-old boy has sustained potentially life-threatening injuries after being shot in Birmingham, police confirmed. The teenager was rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds following the shooting 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: "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."

Although the shooting happened near a mosque, police said they do not think at this stage the incident was connected to it. A large emergency service presence was reported on Bowyer Road, with a police cordon in place. The top of Bowyer Road has been closed, with residents advised to avoid using it as a route to St Saviour's Road or Arden Road until further notice.

Local councillors Nosheen Khalid and Shaukat Mahmood released a statement. "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," they said.

The councillors asked the public to avoid speculating or sharing photos and videos from the scene. "Unverified information can cause further distress to families and may hinder the police investigation," they said. They called on the community to come together with compassion and respect, adding: "Please allow our emergency services the space they need to carry out their work and keep those affected in your thoughts and prayers."

Police added: "We understand this is extremely worrying for people in the area and local officers will be remaining there to speak to anyone with concerns."