A 15-year-old boy was stabbed to death in a park while standing up for his girlfriend who had been abused on Facebook, it was claimed today.
Hassan Mahmood was attacked in South Yardley, Birmingham, last night following an argument between two groups of youths.
Friends of the schoolboy claimed he was defending his girlfriend when he was knifed.
Police were today questioning two 16-year-olds, a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old on suspicion of murder.
The 15-year-old and 17-year-old were subsequently released without charge, while the two 16-year-olds remained in custody tonight.
West Midlands Police said that a post-mortem examination will be carried out on Hassan’s body tomorrow.
Paramedics rushed to scene yesterday after the fight broke out. A large area near Oaklands Park remained cordoned off today while police investigate.
Detective Inspector Tom Chisholm, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘We are aware that there were groups of young people in the area, some of whom may have left the scene before the police arrived.
‘There is some suggestion that this was a fight which has tragically gone too far. I would ask that people who were in the park or anyone else with information to contact us immediately.’
Police said there was no indication that the killing was gang related.
A friend, who was at the scene today, said teenage ‘banter’ suddenly turned into violence.
‘It was a fight that got out of hand,’ they said.
‘Apparently another lad wrote something nasty on Facebook about his girlfriend and he found out and challenged him.
‘It started out as a bit of banter but spiralled and someone pulled a blade. I wasn’t there but I know people who were. Hassan was just sticking up for her and got killed for it. It’s wrong.
‘I think the lad said his girlfriend was a s*** or something like that.’
[MailOnline]