Muslim leader assaulted at mosque

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A 53-year-old imam has been punched and kicked by a man who entered a mosque in the west end of Glasgow.

Strathclyde Police confirmed that the incident, at the Dawat ul Islam centre, happened at about 1800 BST on Friday.

Mohammed Shamsuddin was taken to the nearby Western Infirmary, but later discharged following treatment.

The suspect is described as white, possibly 35-45 years, approximately 5ft 7 to 5ft 9 tall, of medium build with short greying hair and wearing jeans.

Witnesses to the attack said the suspect verbally abused Imam Shamsuddin before punching and kicking him and then hitting him with a chair and other office equipment.

He (Imam Shamsuddin) had blood pouring down from his face, the attacker saw us and ran away Abu Mohammed

Imam Shamsuddin is originally from Bangladesh and has been leading prayers at the mosque for seven years.

It can hold up to 250 worshippers and is frequented by students and staff at Glasgow University.

The religious leader's attacker fled after being confronted by other worshippers.

Abu Mohammed, who was in the building at the time, said: "I was downstairs getting ready for prayer when I heard a noise coming from upstairs.

Police appeal

"Me and a few other people went upstairs to see what was going on and we saw the Imam being attacked.

"He had blood pouring down from his face, the attacker saw us and ran away."

Detective Inspector William Little said fortunately the victim's injuries were not serious.

He added: "I would appeal to anyone who may have seen the suspect hanging around the centre prior to the incident or making off afterwards to contact the police."

The mosque CCTV camera was not working at the time.