Coventry stabbing: 2 men arrested on suspicion of murder after stabbing outside a mosque

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 52-year-old man was stabbed to death outside a mosque.

Emergency services were called to Jamiah Masjid & Institute, in Coventry, after violence erupted in the street at around 9pm on Sunday (2 October).

Police found a 52-year-old man who had been stabbed during involving a large group of men, some of who were armed with knives.

Two men arrested

Despite the efforts of medics, he died a short time later while a second victim, aged 44, suffered a small stab wound.

A 56-year-old man was arrested by armed officers nearby a short time later, while a second suspect, aged 27, was detained in the early hours of this morning (Mon).

Both men remain in custody and will be quizzed by detectives on suspicion of murder.

The Midlands has seen community tensions between Muslim and Hindu communities boil over into violence in recent weeks.

Last month, a number of police officers were injured while holding the line between rival groups of young men as they clashed in neighbouring Leicestershire.

However, police say they believe this murder to be an isolated incident and are not linking it to ‘other disputes’.

‘It appears to have been an isolated dispute’

Detective Superintendent Shaun Edwards, from West Midlands Police, said: “We’re supporting the family of the man who has died at what is a truly awful time for them, and our thoughts go out to them.

“We’ve made some really good early progress in this investigation, but there is still a lot of work to do be done in identifying all of those involved in what happened last night.

“We don’t believe this is linked to any other incidents or disputes either in Coventry or the wider West Midlands and it appears to have been an isolated dispute which has ended in tragedy.

“We’ll continue to work flat out to bring all of those involved to justice.

“I’d urge anyone who was in the area at the time, who may have seen or recorded what happened on a mobile phone or dashcam to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

“Officers are speaking with residents and community leaders to offer reassurance, and patrols in the area will be stepped up.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting log 3319 of October 2.

You can reach the force via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk, or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.