Orebro: A 25-year-old man was killed and another person injured in a shooting near a mosque in the southern Swedish city of Orebro, police said on Friday. The incident took place shortly after Friday prayers at the Orebro Mosque in the Boglundsangen area, where several shots were reportedly fired as worshippers were leaving.

According to Anadolu Agency, police were alerted to the incident around 1.45 pm local time (1145GMT). Two people were injured, and by 5.30 pm, one of them, a man in his twenties, had died. Authorities have launched a preliminary investigation into murder, attempted murder, and aggravated weapons offenses. They believe the attack is connected to 'the criminal network environment' and is being treated as gang-related.

'The perpetrator is still at large. We are fully hunting the perpetrator right now,' police spokesperson Anders Dahlman told reporters, adding that officers are conducting extensive investigative work, including witness interviews and intelligence gathering.

In a statement, the mosque said it was not the target of the attack and urged members to remain at home for the evening while police investigations continued. Tahir Akan, president of the Swedish Islamic Federation, told Anadolu that the shooting was not motivated by 'racism' or directed at the mosque or its congregation. He stated that the perpetrator had a 'personal dispute' with the two victims and shot them as they left Friday prayers.

Akan noted that the attacker shot and injured the two people he had a dispute with as planned in advance. Since there was a doctor among the congregation, the first intervention was carried out on the spot. Akan mentioned earlier in the day that one of the injured was in serious condition, while the other sustained minor injuries, before police confirmed one had died.

The area remains cordoned off, with several rescue units, police officers, and ambulances deployed. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the vicinity and comply with roadblocks.