Tributes to Jalal Uddin: “He was a peaceful man of God”

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Shaukat Ali, Mohammed Abdul Bashir, Councilllor Ali Ahmed, Addul Robb Ahad, Mohammed Abdul Ahad

Tributes have been flooding for Jalal Uddin, the local Imam who died last night after suffering from a head injury as he walked home after evening prayers on South Street

Friends who attended at the Jalalia Jaame Mosque for a special service for the man who was “known and loved throughout the community”, described him as someone who was peaceful, caring, and “never hurt a fly”.

Councillor Ali Ahmed said after the service: “We are all shocked and saddened by this news. We live in a peaceful community and nothing like this has ever happened before. It is a very sad day for all of us.”

Mohammed Bashir, a distant relative of Mr Uddin, said: “He never hurt a fly. He was a real man of God who was dedicated to his job and to the community. There are many people here today who are mourning his loss. We all miss him. We are all devastated.”

Hussain Dalim said: “Nobody can believe it. Everyone is still coming to terms with the news. He was a deeply religious man who cared for everyone around him, it is so sad that he has been taken from us.”

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk has also issued a statement saying: "Mr Uddin was a well-regarded, peaceful man, a very, very gentle man. He was well thought of in his local Mosque and among the Bangladeshi community. I’ve spoken to people today and they’re all in shock and really upset. I send my condolences to his family."

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at Rochdale police station on 101, or alternatively you can pass information to the police in confidence by calling Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.