A well-known and respected member of Burton’s Muslim community was left with a broken nose and had two teeth knocked out following an attack outside his home.
Staffordshire Police confirmed a report of an attack on an Imam – named by the Muslim community as Hafiz Ramzan – in Uxbridge Street.
A spokesman confirmed the Imam was approached by another male and a brief conversation ensued, before he was violently assaulted between 2pm and 2.30pm on Thursday.
Chief Inspector Steve Maskrey, commander of Burton Local Policing Team, said an investigation had been launched in a bid to find the person responsible.
He said: “It appears that this was an unprovoked violent attack. We will have high-visibility patrols in the area to offer reassurance to the community.”
The victim, who was named by Burton Central Mosque Committee as Imam Ramzan, was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre in Birmingham, where he received treatment for head and facial injuries before later being discharged.
In a statement, the committee told the Mail: “Thursday was a deeply shocking day for the Burton Community. Imam Hafiz Ramzan was unfortunately attacked within his home on Uxbridge Street. He was injured in the attack but was released from hospital on the same day and is now recovering.
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“We do not know why this callous attack took place and are working with the police to bring the attacker to justice.”
A police spokesman confirmed that a report of an attack on a male in Uxbridge Street was received between 2pm and 2.30pm, stating that the Imam was approached by another male outside his home after walking there from the mosque.
It is understood that a brief conversation ensued before Mr Ramzan was violently assaulted. The attacker then made threats towards him before he was seen to get into a vehicle and flee the scene.
Police have described the attacker as Asian, tall and stocky and aged between 35 and 45. He was wearing a black baseball cap.
Staffordshire Police is asking anyone with information to speak to one of the teams patrolling the area or contact them using the non-emergency 101 number. Witnesses can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 11, quoting reference 664 of June 26.
