Two more youths accused of Smethwick mosque stabbing appear before crown court judge - new arrests will follow
Two more youths accused of stabbing an 18-year-old in a mosque car park in Smethwick have appeared before a crown court judge.
The two 17-year-olds are charged the latest to be charged with the murder of Zeshan Afzal who was discovered with serious stab wounds following fighting in the grounds of Jamia Mosque, in Oldbury Road, Smethwick, just before 9pm on February 20.
No pleas were given and the two defendants, from the Sandwell area who cannot be publicly named, spoke only to confirm their names at the video link hearing on Friday at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
Miss Siobhan Collins, prosecuting, told the court that there would be a "next phase of arrests" in the coming days.
"There are now five defendants charged in this case. There will be potentially between nine and 13 defendants in total. It will need a bigger venue," she said.
Judge Michael Chambers KC told them: "Your case is adjourned until April 14 when there will be a further hearing at which you will be asked if you accept the charges, in other words are you pleading guilty or not guilty.
"In the mean time you must remain in youth detention accommodation."
Mr Afzal, of Beresford Road, Smethwick, was fatally injured following Ramadan prayers and despite the best efforts of the emergency services he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Three other 17-year-olds and a 16-year-old have previously appeared at the court also charged with his murder.
The murder investigation is remaining active with West Midlands Police asking anyone with information to contact them by phoning 101quoting log number 4896 of February 20.
And an online portal has been launched to gather information relating to the probe for members of the public to submit mobile phone or dash cam footage by clicking here.
Court reporting restrictions apply due to the defendants being aged under 18.