A 32-year-old man has been arrested over the stabbings of four men at a mosque in Birmingham last night, police have announced today.
The attacker was understood to be worshiping at the Madrassa Qasim-ul-Uloom mosque on Washwood Heath Road, but was not known there. He is believed to be of a Somali origin.
A knife is thought to have been used in the attack.
Chief Superintendent Alex Murray said the suspect’s motives were unknown, but said that there was no information to suggest the attack was a hate crime.
A 28-year-old man who had suffered multiple stab wounds and a 36-year-old man who had suffered a single stab wound to the thigh were taken to hospital. The third victim suffered a hand injury and is now recovering at home. The police officer sustained stab wounds to his stomach and chest.
Ch Sup Murray praised the actions of the congregation and police who provided life-saving first aid to those who were injured as well as the officer.
He said: “This was a horrifying experience for everyone involved but the bravery of the victims at the mosque and the officers who attended means that the situation was quickly brought under control.
“At this stage we understand the suspect was not known to the mosque but was welcomed to pray last night when he attended for the first time.
“The motive for the attack remains unclear but there is nothing to suggest it is connected with any other incident and it is not being treated as a hate crime.
“I wish those who were injured a speedy recovery and would like to reassure people locally that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with what happened.
“High-visibility patrols have been stepped up and if anyone has any concerns whatsoever I would encourage them to give us a call on 101 and speak to their local neighbourhood policing team.“
The male police officer was attacked after being called to attend reports that the three men had been stabbed at the mosque in the Ward End area of the city.
The 31-year-old officer is from the Yardley Wood area of Birmingham and has served with West Midlands Police since 2007.
The attacker was understood to be worshiping at the Madrassa Qasim-ul-Uloom mosque on Washwood Heath Road, but was not known there. He is believed to be of a Somali origin.
A knife is thought to have been used in the attack.
Chief Superintendent Alex Murray said the suspect’s motives were unknown, but said that there was no information to suggest the attack was a hate crime.
A 28-year-old man who had suffered multiple stab wounds and a 36-year-old man who had suffered a single stab wound to the thigh were taken to hospital. The third victim suffered a hand injury and is now recovering at home. The police officer sustained stab wounds to his stomach and chest.
Ch Sup Murray praised the actions of the congregation and police who provided life-saving first aid to those who were injured as well as the officer.
He said: “This was a horrifying experience for everyone involved but the bravery of the victims at the mosque and the officers who attended means that the situation was quickly brought under control.
“At this stage we understand the suspect was not known to the mosque but was welcomed to pray last night when he attended for the first time.
“The motive for the attack remains unclear but there is nothing to suggest it is connected with any other incident and it is not being treated as a hate crime.
“I wish those who were injured a speedy recovery and would like to reassure people locally that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with what happened.
“High-visibility patrols have been stepped up and if anyone has any concerns whatsoever I would encourage them to give us a call on 101 and speak to their local neighbourhood policing team.“
The male police officer was attacked after being called to attend reports that the three men had been stabbed at the mosque in the Ward End area of the city.
The 31-year-old officer is from the Yardley Wood area of Birmingham and has served with West Midlands Police since 2007.
Source : SkyNews, Independent
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