Following separate violent attacks outside mosques in London and Oxford, authorities and community members raise alarms over knife crime and the safety of religious spaces during the holy month of Ramadan.
Two separate violent incidents outside mosques in the UK have raised concerns over community safety. In Oxford, a man was stabbed and sought refuge at the Central Oxford Mosque during the second day of Ramadan. The victim, whose injuries were not linked to the mosque, was immediately attended to by the mosque’s representatives, highlighting their commitment to preserving life. The incident prompted a substantial emergency response, with Thames Valley Police initiating an investigation into the attack. Oxford City Councillor Shaista Aziz remarked on the alarming rise in stabbings in the city, especially given the timing of the attack during a significant religious period.
Meanwhile, in London, an intense police search is underway for Abdullahi Mohamed, 24, following a machete attack outside the Deptford Islamic Centre on February 9. The victim, a man in his 20s, suffered from injuries that, while severe, were not life-threatening. The Metropolitan Police have described the incident as “extremely violent” and have warned the public that Mohamed is considered to be dangerous, advising against approaching him. It has been clarified that the attack is not being treated as a hate crime. The police have called on anyone with information regarding Mohamed’s location to contact them or Crimestoppers anonymously.
These incidents, occurring in different cities, underscore the broader issue of knife crime within communities and its impact on public safety near religious institutions.
