Tributes have been paid to a teenager who was stabbed to death outside a mosque following Ramadan prayers as police arrest a 17-year-old boy in connection with the attack.
Zeeshan Afzal, 18, was killed in front of the place of worship on Oldbury Road in Smethwick, near Birmingham, on Friday evening.
Emergency services found him at the scene in critical condition and were unable to save him.
Two other men, aged 19 and 22, were also injured and rushed to the hospital but their wounds were not believed to be life-threatening.
A boy, 17, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Tuesday amid an ongoing police investigation. He has been remanded in custody for questioning.
Mr Afzal's friend Rajab Arshad said they had been praying together on the first night of Ramadan just minutes before the attack.
'It is just shocking, terrible,' he added. 'He had such a pure heart. He was a really good man, he was a very loved person.
'He had a lot of ambitions - he wanted to start businesses and make a good life for himself but also for his family and friends.
'He was devoted to Allah and was inspiring. He was saving up to go on his Hajj pilgrimage [to Mecca] in two months time.
Tributes have been paid to teenager Zeeshan Afzal, pictured, who was stabbed to death outside a mosque following Ramadan prayers
'He regularly recited the Koran and was known for his melodic recitations.'
Mr Arshad added: 'He was a good lad, pure in heart. We are all grieving and praying for him.'
The victim's relatives were among those inside the mosque as trouble erupted outside and were kept there while police and paramedics rushed to the scene.
Shortly before he died, Mr Afzal had posted a message in memory of his mother who passed away when he was young, fondly recalling her cooking.
His friend Mr Arshad also implored young men not to carry knives, adding: 'There is no good outcome. There is only death or jail, you wouldn't want to risk your freedom, or losing your parents.'
In a Go Fund Me appeal which has raised over £6,000, the teenager's family write: 'This Ramadan, a month of mercy, forgiveness, and immense reward, we were tested in the most heartbreaking way.
'Our beloved brother was tragically taken from us during this sacred month - a time when the gates of Jannah are open and deeds are multiplied.
'He was a son, a brother, a friend, and a light in our lives. His kindness, generosity, and laughter touched everyone who knew him.
'To lose him during Ramadan has been an indescribable pain, but we hold onto the promise of Allah's mercy and the hope that this blessed month is a sign of honour for him.'
Several bouquets have since been attached to the railings outside the mosque.
West Midlands Police added in a statement: 'Our enquires are continuing and we urge anyone who has not yet spoken to us to come forward.'
