An imam from Greater Manchester was stabbed in the neck as he arrived at a mosque for Asar prayers this afternoon.
Dr Nasser Kurdy was outside Altrincham Islamic Centre when someone approached him from behind and stabbed him.
He is currently recovering in hospital and is said to be in a stable condition.
Dr Kurdy is a consultant at the local hospital and he is also an imam at Altrincham Islamic Centre.
Greater Manchester Police said officers have arrested two people and are treating the incident as a hate crime.
A police statement said: “At around 5.50pm on Sunday 24 September 2017 police were called to reports that a man had been stabbed outside the Islamic Cultural Centre, Grove Lane.
“Emergency services attended and a man in his 60s has been taken to hospital with a stab wound to the back of his neck.
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“Two men aged 54 and 32 were arrested nearby in connection with the incident and remain in custody for questioning.
“Officers are treating this as a hate crime and are appealing for people with information to come forward.”
GMP’s Detective Inspector Ben Cottam added: “As with any investigation, our primary concern is for the victim and, thanks to the quick response from our colleagues in the ambulance service, he is currently receiving treatment for his injuries.
“He was attacked in broad daylight as he made his way to the mosque and while we are yet to gather all the evidence, we can be sure that there is no place for hate crime on our streets and we will do all that we can to take action against those who jeopardise the safety of others.
“We have two people in custody who were arrested a short time after the call came in but need people who witnessed the attack or those who have information to contact us.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the Altrincham Islamic Centre said: “Nothing like this has ever happened before and it does not reflect the community.
“In my experience community relations are very good and it is a very safe area; it is shocking for all of us. I would like to invite anybody to come to talk to us and if they harbour any ill will then to come and find out more about us.
“My message to the congregation is to not be deterred from coming here. One thing that our scripture tells us is to repel evil with kindness.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1646 of 24/09/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
