Calm urged after imam dies from head injuries

The imam of a mosque has died after being found with serious head injuries while on his way home from evening prayers.

The victim, named locally as Jalal Uddin, a religious leader in Rochdale, was found critically injured in a children’s play area on South St in the Wardleworth area of the town on Thursday night.

Locals say he had been to evening prayers at a mosque before visiting a friend. It is believed he was taking a short cut through the playground on his way home, after eating dinner at a friend’s house.

Police and paramedics were called around 9pm after a member of the public found him critically injured. He was taken to hospital but died shortly after. Greater Manchester Police have not yet formally identified the victim.

A major investigation has been launched but, pending a post mortem, it has not yet been declared a murder investigation.

However, Mohammed Shafiq, chief executive of the Ramadhan Foundation, based in Greater Manchester, said: “The news that a popular local Imam from Rochdale was murdered last night returning from prayers at a local mosque is shocking and tragic. Whilst it is too early to speculate about the circumstances of the murder, we would urge the community of Rochdale to stay united and calm.

“We pay tribute to him and his unique contribution to our community in Rochdale. We offer our sincere condolences and prayers to his family, friends and the wider community. We would urge all local mosques in Rochdale to consider emergency security precautions and facilities to help local people return home safely from the mosque.”