A man in his 20s is reportedly in critical condition after being attacked with a knife at a mosque in Bradford, West Yorkshire on Monday.
The victim was seriously injured inside the Islamic Center in Newton Street amid Eid celebrations. He was stabbed and found "seriously injured with a bladed weapon" as emergency services were called to the Islamic Center at around 10:00 a.m. on Monday. He is said to be in a critical condition in hospital.
According to West Yorkshire Police, a local man has been detained in connection with the incident and remains in custody. Both men attended the Islamic Center separately before the attack happened. A spokesperson said that the incident is not being treated as hate or terrorist-related crime. It occurred as people gathered at the mosque for the end of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
Eyewitness and Bradford Cllr Taj Salam told Yorkshire Live that there were 120 people in the hall at the time of the attack. "It's a very big day today for us after 30-days of fasting and the mood has been dampened by this incident. Very shocked. There must have been 120 people in the hall at the time of the attack."
"It happened after the service in the upstairs hall. He was made comfortable by first aid while we waited for paramedics. He has been taken to Bradford infirmary and he is in a stable condition."
Chief Superintendent Rob McCoubrey of Bradford Police said, "Detectives are conducting a number of inquiries into this serious incident today and a man remains in police custody after being arrested in connection with the attack on the victim."
"We are not seeking anyone else in connection with what took place and local NPT officers are conducting reassurance patrols and speaking with residents in the local area. This is clearly a distressing incident for the victim's family and local community and West Yorkshire Police will continue to provide visible reassurance and support as the investigation progresses.This is clearly a distressing incident for the victim's family and local community and West Yorkshire Police will continue to provide visible reassurance and support as the investigation progresses. "
