Police have arrested two people after a man was stabbed in the neck as he arrived for evening prayers outside Altrincham Islamic Centre this evening.
Greater Manchester Police are treating the incident, which happened shortly before 5.50pm on Grove Lane in Hale, as a hate crime.
Emergency services attended and a man in his 60s was taken to hospital with a stab wound to the back of his neck.
Two men aged 54 and 32 were arrested nearby in connection with the incident and remain in custody for questioning.
The victim has been named on social media as orthopaedic surgeon Dr Nasser Kurdy, who is the mosque’s imam.
GMP’s Detective Inspector Ben Cottam said: “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 of those who have information to contact us.”
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.
