A Muslim leader has been found dead as he made his way to his house after leading a prayer session in the mosque.
Jalal Udin
An Imam, Jalal Uddin, has died on his way home from leading prayers at a mosque, Mirror Online reports.
The cleric is understood to have died after leaving the Jalali Jame Mosque in Rochdale, England, last night. He is believed to have been attacked and killed. This has sparked calls for caution among Muslims in England.
The chief executive of the Ramadhan Foundation Mohammed Shafiq said the news was "shocking and tragic".
He added: "We would urge the community of Rochdale to stay united and calm.
"We pay tribute to him and his unique contribution to our community in Rochdale. We offer our sincere condolences and prayers to his family, friends and the wider community.
"We would urge all local Mosques in Rochdale to consider emergency security precautions and facilities to help local people return home safely from the Mosque.
"Furthermore Mosques should also consider buddying various people together to ensure vulnerable people are supported."
Superintendent Mark Smith told the Manchester Evening News: "The Imam has sadly died after being found injured by passing members of the public, and we are now doing all we can to try and speak with and support this man’s family.
"Our investigation is at an early stage but we are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area near to the children’s play area in Wardleworth this Thursday evening, as we work to establish how this man came to suffer his head injury.
"We know local people will be worried when they hear news of what has happened and we have extra patrols in place to try and reassure the community.
"We are asking people to speak with officers if they saw, heard or know anything that can assist this investigation."