Saturday, July 20, 2013

Ukrainian suspect, 25, questioned over bomb attacks at three Midlands mosques is arrested for 'further act of terrorism' over murder of Muslim pensioner three months ago

  • Police granted extra time to question Ukrainian men in connection with mosque explosions
  • One of two men arrested in connection with murder of Mohammed Saleem
  • Mr Saleem, 75, stabbed and stamped on as he walked back from mosque

Mohammed Saleem was found in a pool of blood after being stabbed
Mohammed Saleem was found in a pool of blood after being stabbed
One of two Ukrainian men being held over bomb attacks near three mosques has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 75-year-old Asian man.
West Midands Police said the terror suspect, aged 25, was arrested at 5.05pm tonight in relation to 'a further act of terrorism'.
A police spokesman said: 'This arrest is in connection with the murder of Mohammed Saleem in Small Heath, Birmingham on Monday April 29.'
Mohammed Saleem, 75, was stabbed three times and stamped on as he made his way back from his local mosque.
The father of seven was found by horrified neighbours in a pool of his own blood.
Mr Saleem, a retired baker, suffered from arthritis and was walking with a stick when he was attacked. His wallet was not taken.
The stabbing of Mr Saleem, a highly-regarded and well-known figure in the local community, was described by detectives at the time as a 'despicable' attack on a defenceless pensioner.
A joint family statement read during a press conference at West Midlands Police headquarters on May 2 described Mr Saleem as 'a much-loved and respected community member'.
Shazia Khan (left) comforts Nazia Maqsood (right) during a press conference following the stabbing of their father Mohammed Saleem
Shazia Khan (left) comforts Nazia Maqsood (right) during a press conference following the stabbing of their father Mohammed Saleem
The statement read: 'We can't express our feelings of sadness and devastation.

'It's hard to accept that our beloved father and grandfather has been taken from us in such a brutal way.'
Earlier today, counter-terrorism officers were granted extra time to question the Ukrainian nationals in connection with the explosions.
A sitting of Westminster Magistrates' Court granted officers up to seven days to question the men, who were initially detained on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism.
Following the men's arrest the 'seat of an explosion and debris' were found on a roundabout near the Wolverhampton Central Mosque.
Caution: A police cordon was erected around Wolverhampton Mosque as police investigated reports that a device had been activated
Caution: A police cordon was erected around Wolverhampton Mosque as police investigated reports that a device had been activated
Police believe the debris came from a device that exploded on the city's Fiveways roundabout at about 9.15am on June 28.
The remnants of a home-made explosive device were found outside a mosque in Walsall on Saturday June 22, and another device, containing nails, exploded near a mosque in Binfield Road, Tipton, on July 12.
No one was injured by any of the explosions.
Speaking after police were granted further time to question the two suspects, Mr Beale said: 'We continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the three explosions and are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious around these dates to contact us.
'We do not underestimate the impact this will have on communities across the West Midlands.
'The support of all communities has been fantastic with wider faith communities coming together to show solidarity.
'I would appeal to people, if you have the smallest piece of information that my help the investigation then please contact us on 101 at the earliest opportunity.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2371891/Ukrainian-suspect-25-questioned-bomb-attacks-Midlands-mosques-arrested-act-terrorism-murder-Muslim-pensioner-months-ago.html#ixzz2Zd1PZ1oI

NWN: What is going on here ?

1 comment:

Ramiro said...

This is fantastic!