A ruthless 32 year old knifeman, of Somali origin has been arrested and moved to a secure mental health facility, after brutally stabbing three worshippers and a police officer outside a mosque in Ward End.
The incident took place at around 11pm at the Madrassa Qasim Ul Uloom Mosque on Washwood Heath Road, during evening prayers. Witnesses say that a man, who was unfamiliar to the place of worship, was getting agitated as his method of praying was being scrutinized by fellow worshippers. In a wild panic he stabbed a man praying next to him up to four times. Attempting to stop the crazed murderer, a further two men were injured with multiple stab wounds. Witnesses say he stopped to wash the blood off his hands before he continued to pray.
Two officers arrived within four minutes of the call made by onlookers, where they found the suspect in one of the rooms in the mosque. It was at this point the killer made his fourth and final attack on one of the police officers.
The 31 year old police officer, who was deemed “heroic” battled through his injuries and made the final arrest after firing a taser at the knifeman.
Chief Superintendent Alex Murray, speaking at the scene, said: “I’d like to thank the brave officers for their heroic actions, as well as the people inside the mosque who acted extremely bravely despite being in substantial danger”.
The suspect is now under scrutiny as a spokesperson from West Midlands Police explains how he was assessed by mental health experts and was deemed unfit to be interviewed in relation to the attack.
The spokesperson added: “While the investigation continues, the man will be constantly assessed by medics who will alert detectives as soon as he is deemed well enough to undergo questioning.”
The victims were described as a 28-year-old man who had suffered multiple stab wounds and a 36-year-old man who had suffered a single stab wound to the thigh. Both were taken to the hospital. The third victim suffered a hand injury and is now recovering at home. The police officer sustained stab wounds to his stomach and chest.
The Birmingham Hodge Hill MP Liam Byrne, who visited the scene, said: “Police and the community have been working together through the night and what’s very clear is that this is a sad, tragic and isolated incident.
“It’s not a hate crime. What’s really important now is that everybody stays very calm and we let the wheels of justice turn.”
By Aneesa Malik
