Man charged after mosque stabbing

HAVE charged Ian Anthony Rook, of no fixed address, with grievous bodily harm and possession of a lethal weapon. This follows an incident on Sunday evening, when Dr Nasser Kurdy was stabbed outside Altrincham and Hale Muslim Association.

Dr Kurdy, 58, an orthopaedic surgeon, was stabbed in the back of the neck. He had to receive medical treatment in hospital but fortunately his condition was not critical and he was able to leave hospital after treatment.

The attack occurred and approximately 17.45pm, outside the mosque on Grove Lane, Altrincham. Eye witnesses report that verbal abuse occurred during the physical attack.

Mr Akram Malik, Chair of the Altrincham and Hale Muslim Association, told the Manchester Evening News, “It is devastating that someone has chosen to attack a community member on his way to prayer. We pray that Dr Kurdy makes a full recovery and the perpetrator faces the full force of justice. I urge community members to respond to hatred with love. It is important we remain calm as the investigation continues and support the Greater Manchester Police, whose swift action has been very welcome.”

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson told the Manchester Evening News, “This is a very nasty and unprovoked attack against a much loved local man.”

Tensions have been high in Greater Manchester since the attack on the Manchester Arena earlier this year. In July, an arson attack saw the Nasfat Islamic Centre in Newton Heath burn to the ground. Ironically, Dr Kurdy was one of the surgeons who volunteered to come in to work to treat the victims of the Manchester bomb.

Police are reported to be treating the attack as a hate crime but not a terrorist incident. There will be an increased police presence in the local area for a time, to reassure the community and deter copycat attacks. Rook was due to appear at Manchester City Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. A second man was arrested but has been released and no further action will be taken against him.

•Anyone who saw the attack or has any other information relating to this crime is urged to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101, quoting reference 1646 of 24/09/17.  Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111, where you can give information anonymously.

•Read more about it:
Mosque fire: hate crime or terrorism?
Manchester: what East London says

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