Home Affair Correspondent
A trustee of a Birmingham mosque has been seriously injured after being stabbed by a group of masked men in what police believe may have been a failed attempt to steal his car.
Abdul Ghafoor, 69, was attacked at about 11:55pm BST on July 7, after leaving Mohammedi Masjid on St Saviour’s Road in the Alum Rock area, where he had attended Isha prayers.
West Midlands Police said officers were called shortly before midnight following reports that a man in his 60s had been assaulted. Ghafoor was taken to hospital with stab injuries and remains in a stable condition. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
On July 9, detectives said they were pursuing several lines of enquiry and had recovered CCTV footage, carried out forensic examinations and spoken to potential witnesses.
Police said one line of enquiry suggested the assault was a failed attempt to steal Mr Ghafoor’s vehicle. Officers added there was currently no evidence linking the incident to other recent violent offences in the Alum Rock area.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Mahon said, “Our priority right now is identifying those responsible and bringing them into custody as quickly as possible.”
The force said additional patrols would remain in the area while enquiries continued and appealed for anyone with information, or relevant dashcam or doorbell footage, to come forward.
The suspects are believed to have been four masked Asian men, although no arrests have been announced.
Councillor Majid Mahmood, a relative of Ghafoor, described him as “one of the most humble, hardworking and respected individuals in our community” who had dedicated many years to serving Mohammedi Masjid.
He said Ghafoor had confronted four masked men during what he described as a violent attempted carjacking before being stabbed twice.
The family thanked hospital staff caring for Mr Ghafoor and requested privacy while he recovers.
Feature photo: Abdul Ghafoor, 69, was attacked on 7 July after leaving Mohammedi Masjid on St Saviour’s Road, Alum Rock, following Isha prayers. (Credit: Facebook/CC)
