Reports of a stabbing outside an Oxford mosque have been described as “shocking" and "frightening for the Muslim community" by the leader of Oxford City Council.

Police have now launched an attempted murder investigation after a large emergency response was called to a mosque on Manzil Way and its surrounding area after reports of a stabbing last night (March 13).

Police cars descended on Cowley Road before closing off the Cosin Close alleyway and Manzil Way whilst also taping off the Central Oxford Mosque.

READ MORE: Police set up TWO DIFFERENT crime scenes as murder investigation launched

Between 6.30pm and 7pm, the victim, a man in his 40s, was in the alleyway between Cosin Close and Manzil Way with the suspect, police have said.

After a couple of minutes, both males returned to Manzil Way when the suspect attacked the victim with a knife.

The victim went into the mosque where he received immediate first aid and an ambulance was called.

The victim is currently in hospital in a stable condition.

The incident is understood to be unconnected to the mosque as worshippers gave first aid to a young man after he was allegedly stabbed.

Susan Brown, the leader of the city council, has said she has been in touch with Thames Valley Police about reducing knife crime with the third incident in the past three weeks.

Oxford Mail:

The council leader said: "Stabbings are rare in Oxford but recently we have sadly experienced several in just a few weeks.

“I have been in touch with Thames Valley Police after each of these events and am asking for an urgent meeting to see how we can work together to tackle the culture of knife crime.

"Last night's incident was very shocking, occurring so close to the Central Mosque, where families were celebrating Ramadan.

"I know this will have been frightening for many in the Muslim community and my thoughts are with them today.

"I would also like to put on record my thanks to those at the mosque who administered first aid to the victim last night and who have worked to calm fears and to ensure that communications about the event to the wider community have been accurate.

"I know the police are working hard to ensure that the mosque is able to have full access to their buildings again as soon as possible.

"My thoughts are with all those who have been impacted by this and other knife crime in Oxford.

“Together we will work to make sure our communities are safe for everyone."

READ MORE: Everything we know so far about 'stabbing' near mosque

A statement made last night (March 14) by the Central Oxford Mosque Society confirmed that the mosque was closed for a period of time after reports of a nearby stabbing.

A spokesperson inside the mosque said: "As we all know there are police outside and there has been an incident earlier on this evening.

"Unfortunately a young man has been stabbed, unconnected to the mosque in any shape, way or form.

"The young man was stabbed on Cosin Close, the alleyway adjacent to Manzil Way and consequently, the police have closed Manzil Way to the public and they are also closing Cosin Close."

Superintendent Bruce Riddell said: “We are carrying out an investigation following this concerning incident.

“We are undertaking a number of enquiries and reassurance patrols, so members of the public will see an increased police presence in the area.

“At this stage we believe the parties involved are known to each other and we are not treating this as a hate crime.

“I would appeal to anybody who witnessed what happened or who may have dash cam, CCTV of mobile phone images, to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police, either online or by calling 101, quoting the reference number 43240118465.

“I would like to reassure the local community that we are conducting fast time and thorough enquiries, and if anybody has any concerns or information that can help the investigation, to please speak to any of our officers at the scene.

 “If you do not wish to speak to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”