One killed in shooting outside mosque in Sweden, police suspect link to gang violence

A shooting near a mosque in Sweden on Friday left one person dead and one injured, with police saying they believe it was linked to gang violence.

The shooting took place in the parking lot outside the mosque in the central city of Örebro west of the capital Stockholm in the early afternoon following Friday prayers, police said.

The victim was a 25-year-old man who was shot dead leaving the mosque and the man injured was also in his 20s.

Several emergency services were at the scene and police advised the public to stay away.

Roberto Eid Forest, head of the Örebro local police area, said at a press conference that at least one perpetrator was seen leaving the scene.

The police are now investigating murder, attempted murder and aggravated weapons offences, according to the Swedish news agency TT, and said they suspect the crime is tied to local gangs.

For years, Sweden has grappled with gang violence and criminal gangs often recruit teenagers in socially disadvantaged immigrant neighbourhoods to carry out hits.

Local TV news channel TV4 said there has been tension between two rival gangs in Örebro recently.