A 16-year-old boy has been left with potentially life-threatening injuries after a shooting in Birmingham. According to the authorities, the teenager was taken to hospital following the incident, which has prompted a police investigation in the city.
West Midlands Police said the shooting happened on Bowyer Road, near St Saviours Road, in the Alum Rock area of Birmingham. Officers were called to reports of the shooting shortly before half past five on Wednesday evening.
The location has drawn particular attention because the incident took place near a mosque. However, police stressed that, at this stage, they do not believe the shooting was connected to the place of worship.
Emergency services worked at the scene after the alarm was raised, and the teenager was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds. His condition has been described as potentially life-threatening as medical staff treat him.
The force said its investigation is at an early stage. Officers have remained at the scene, and the area was cordoned off while specialists began the process of gathering evidence and establishing what happened.
As part of that work, police said they were carrying out forensic and CCTV enquiries and speaking to people in the area. Those steps are aimed at building a clearer picture of the sequence of events and identifying those responsible.
Investigators have also appealed for help from the public, urging anyone who saw what happened, or who has footage from the area, to come forward. No further details about possible suspects had been released as the inquiry continued.