[P]OLICE have arrested two people after a hate crime in Hale.
At around 5.50pm on Sunday 24 September 2017 police were called to reports that a man had been stabbed outside the Altrincham and Hale Muslim Association, Grove Lane.
Emergency services attended and a man in his 60s has been taken to hospital with a stab wound to the back of his neck.
Two men aged 54 and 32 were arrested nearby in connection with the incident and remain in custody for questioning.
Officers are treating this as a hate crime and are appealing for people with information to come forward.
GMP’s Detective Inspector Ben Cottam, said: “As with any investigation, our primary concern is for the victim and, thanks to the quick response from our colleagues in the ambulance service, he is currently receiving treatment for his injuries.
“He was attacked in broad daylight as he made his way to the mosque and while we are yet to gather all the evidence, we can be sure that there is no place for hate crime on our streets and we will do all that we can to take action against those who jeopardise the safety of others.
“We have two people in custody who were arrested a short time after the call came in but need people who witnessed the attack or those who have information to contact us.”
Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson, said: “’This is a very nasty and unprovoked attack against a much loved local man. We have made significant progress with the investigation and have arrested two people.
“We consider that these arrests are significant and with the information that we have at this stage, we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this attack
“People will want to know why the attacker did this and we are treating this as a crime motivated by hate. It is difficult to say more than this at this time but there is nothing to suggest that this is terrorist related.
“There will be increased police presence in the area in the coming days to reassure local people.”
Anyone with information should contact GMP on 101 quoting reference number 1646 of 24/09/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
