Attempted murder probe after Oxford 'stabbing' near mosque

Officers were called to the Central Oxford Mosque after the incident in a nearby alleyway between Cosin Close and Manzil Way yesterday (March 13) between 6.30pm and 7pm.

A man in his 40s received immediate first aid at the mosque before he was taken to hospital in an ambulance.

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

Thames Valley Police believe the man and the suspect knew each other and were in the alleyway together before the man returned to the road after a couple of minutes.

The force added it is not treating the incident as a hate crime.

The man remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Superintendent Bruce Riddell, local police area commander for Oxford City, 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.

Police near Manzil Way on Thursday afternoon (Image: Ed Burnett, Newsquest)

“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 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.”