A 14-year-old boy is in a critical condition after being stabbed near a mosque.

Police said the teenager suffered several stab wounds in the attack in the Small Heath area of Birmingham shortly after 1am on Saturday and was taken to hospital by paramedics.

A cordon has been put in place at the scene in Herbert Road while specialist teams carry out forensic investigations.

Detective Inspector Jim Colclough, from the complex crime investigation team at Bournville Lane police station, said: "An investigation is under way to identify those responsible.

"This is a tragic event which has left a young boy is in hospital fighting for his life, so I'd urge anyone who was in the vicinity, saw what happened, or has any other information which may help our investigation to contact me or my team on 101 or to call Crimestoppers as soon as possible."

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.