A Birmingham mosque trustee in his late 60s has been stabbed in a late-night attack in Alum Rock, prompting a police investigation.
The victim, Abdul Ghafoor, 69, was reportedly returning to his car after leaving a local mosque when he was attacked by a group of masked men. Family members described him as a respected grandfather and said they were shocked by the incident.
According to reports, Mr Ghafoor was attacked by four masked men after performing the Isha Salat at the Mohammedi Masjid on St Saviour’s Road, Alum Rock, at 11.55pm on Tuesday, July 7. Ghafoor, who is chairman of the mosque and a father of four, is now recovering in hospital.
West Midlands Police (WMP) said officers were called to the scene shortly before midnight following reports that a man in his 60s had been assaulted. Detectives are carrying out forensic examinations, reviewing CCTV footage and appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage to come forward.
It’s believed Mr Ghafoor had been attacked by a number of men, who were described as “Asian and wearing masks.”
In their latest statement published on Thursday, WMP said: “We’re following positive lines of enquiry, and have recovered CCTV and spoken to a number of potential witnesses. One line of enquiry we are following is that the man was attacked in what was a failed attempt to steal his car, at around 11.55pm on Tuesday.
“The man who was stabbed remains in a stable condition in hospital, and thankfully his injuries are not believed to be life threatening. We continue to have an increased police presence in the Alum Rock area, as we know the community has been concerned by a number of incidents in recent days. We believe this was an isolated attack and not linked to any of other recent incidents in the area. We continue to appeal for witnesses and would ask anyone with information to get in touch with us quoting log 6513 of 7 July.”
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest news and updates from around the Muslim world!
Earlier, Detective Chief Inspector Jim Mahon said officers understand the attack will cause concern in the local community and reassured residents that additional patrols would remain in the area while enquiries continue.
“There is currently nothing to suggest any connection with any other recent incidents in the area, but we are keeping an open mind about the motivation for what has happened,” he said.
“Our priority right now is identifying those responsible and bringing them into custody as quickly as possible, and officers have been working overnight to gather evidence and speak to potential witnesses.”
In response to the attack, local councillor Majid Mahmood, who is related to the victim, released a statement describing the incident as a “violent carjacking” and urged the public to come forward with any useful information.
“I am deeply shocked and saddened by the horrific attack on my relative, Uncle Abdul Ghafoor, following a violent carjacking in Alum Rock.
“This is particularly heartbreaking for me personally, as Uncle Abdul Ghafoor is not only a relative but someone I have known and looked up to my entire life. He is one of the most humble, hardworking and respected individuals in our community, having dedicated many years of his life to managing Mohammedi Masjid in Alum Rock and serving those around him with sincerity, kindness and unwavering commitment.
“During this terrifying incident, Uncle Abdul Ghafoor bravely confronted four masked individuals before being stabbed twice. It was an appalling act of violence that has left our family and the wider community deeply distressed. I have spoken directly with the family and, whilst he remains in hospital, I am thankful that his condition is stable. We continue to pray for his recovery and ask everyone to remember him in your du’as. May Allah ﷻ grant him a complete and speedy recovery, ease his pain, bless him with strength and good health, and grant his family patience during this incredibly difficult time. Ameen.
“On behalf of the family, I would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses and all the medical staff caring for Uncle Abdul Ghafoor. Their professionalism, compassion and dedication during this difficult time have been greatly appreciated, and we are sincerely thankful for the outstanding care he continues to receive.”
The family have requested that the media and the public honour their privacy as they focus on Uncle Abdul Ghafoor’s recovery. Anyone with information is urged to contact West Midlands Police, quoting log 6513 of July 7, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
