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Police extend custody for teen suspect while second individual is questioned in mosque stabbing probe.
The investigation into the tragic killing of 18-year-old Zeshan Afzal has reached a critical turning point today, Wednesday, February 25, 2026, as West Midlands Police move into a high-intensity custodial phase. Detectives have successfully secured a custody extension for the 17-year-old primary suspect, while a second male, aged 21, has reportedly begun assisting with inquiries. As the legal net tightens, the Smethwick community is preparing to bid a final farewell to a teenager described as a "pure-hearted" soul whose life was cut short during the holy month of Ramadan.
Read Also: Teen Arrested in Zeshan Afzal Mosque Murder Case
A charity fundraiser started in memory of the "beloved" teenager has now surpassed £15,000, reflecting the profound impact of his loss. Zeshan Afzal was discovered with catastrophic injuries on Oldbury Road following a violent disorder outside the Jamia Masjid. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, he passed away shortly after the attack. In an emotional online tribute, his family shared that his kindness and laughter touched everyone he knew, stating that losing him during Ramadan has brought an "indescribable pain." The funds raised will establish a Sadaqah Jariyah—a source of continuous charity—as a means of light for him in the hereafter.
Read More: Beyond Mosque Gates: Unfinished Dreams of Zeshan Afzal
Investigation Widens as Digital Evidence Surrounds Suspects
Homicide detectives are currently interrogating the 17-year-old suspect following a breakthrough triggered by advanced digital tracking and dashcam footage. Sources indicate that "clean" forensic matches have been established between the suspect and physical evidence recovered from the scene. Meanwhile, a second individual who presented himself to authorities is being questioned to determine his role in the events leading up to the 9:00 PM attack. Two other victims, aged 19 and 20, have since been discharged from the hospital and are providing crucial witness statements to help investigators reconstruct the timeline of the confrontation.
Post-Mortem Finalized and Janaza Coordination
The Home Office post-mortem examination has concluded, providing the definitive medical evidence required by the Crown Prosecution Service. Forensic sources suggest the results are being cross-referenced with medical reports of the survivors to finalize the prosecution’s case. The Afzal family is now awaiting the formal release of Zeshan’s body from the Coroner’s Office. While an official date has not been set, community leaders at Jamia Masjid expect the Janaza to take place Friday afternoon following Jummah prayers, anticipating one of the largest funeral gatherings Smethwick has seen in decades.
Community Resilience and the Search for the Weapon
Despite the forensic progress, the murder weapon remains a critical missing link. Specialized search teams have pivoted their focus toward secondary locations in Smethwick identified through vehicle tracking data. The mosque and local leaders have issued a unified plea for continued calm, emphasizing that the focus must remain on Zeshan’s legacy of peace. Extra police patrols remain a fixture near Oldbury Road to provide reassurance as the community navigates this period of mourning.
Final Appeal for Evidence
West Midlands Police are making an urgent final appeal for any "unseen" footage from doorbell cameras or dashcams recorded between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM on Friday, February 20. Detectives are specifically seeking sightings of a dark-colored hatchback seen idling near the mosque gates prior to the disorder. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Homicide Unit quoting log 4896 of 20 Feb.
