'Race' attack on imam near mosque

The attack happened near the cultural centre

A mosque has had to close after an 29-year-old assistant imam was attacked after being racially abused on his way to morning prayers.

He left hospital after the attack in Rhyl, Denbighshire, but was re-admitted when his condition worsened.

Muslim leaders condemned the attack near the Islamic Cultural Centre, which has had to cancel services.

Police expressed disgust, but said it was "random" and not a "targeted attack on the Muslim community".

The imam, Awad Kareem, said two men attacked the victim after asking if he was a Muslim.

He added: "When he told them that he was, they told him: 'If you want to live and stay in this country, you shouldn't say you're a Muslim'. I regard that as a threat to his life.

"He is the man we have chosen to conduct morning prayers - he has studied and learnt all the prayers.

We have been trying to build bridges, especially since 7 July, but we feel this has dented our confidence Dr Ahmed Valijan, Islamic Centre secretary

"Because of his injuries he is unable to attend the mosque and so we can't hold many of our services."

The victim is thought to have received 15 stitches to his face.

He was walking to the mosque at around 2.30am on Wednesday, 5 July, when his attackers struck.

Dr Ahmed Valijan, secretary of the Islamic Centre, said: "It's very worrying. We have very good relations with the community in Rhyl and other religions.

"We have been trying to build bridges, especially since (last year's London bombings on) 7 July, but we feel this has dented our confidence."

Dr Valijan said that a week earlier North Wales Police officers visited the centre and assured the Islamic community racial abuse would not be tolerated.

He has written to the force's diversity officer to express concern.

North Wales Police Supt Barry Jones, deputy divisional commander for Conwy and Denbighshire, said: "I was quite disgusted by the attack on a defenceless man. There was absolutely no provocation for it whatsoever.

"I believe this a random attack. This is not a targeted attack on the Muslim community.

"The Muslim community here in Rhyl is a very valuable part of the Welsh community and we do everything possible to ensure the safety of both the Muslim community and the community as a whole. "