Four stabbed in mosque attack

The police officer who was stabbed while tackling a knifeman at a Birmingham mosque said he owes a "massive debt of thanks" to the worshippers who helped him after the attack.

Speaking from his hospital bed, PC Adam Koch said, “I owe those people a massive debt of thanks …if it wasn’t for their help, bravely running towards a man they’d already seen brandishing a large knife, I may not be here today".

PC Koch, who was stabbed multiple times, also described how the man lunged at him with a commando-style knife.

He said: “I can remember falling to the floor and wrestling with the man and he tried thrusting the knife into my back. I’m waiting to see the damage to my stab vest as I’m convinced it’s helped save my life.

“I managed to grab hold of his wrist and eventually disarm him; it was only then that my partner told me I’d been stabbed and blood was running from my shirt.

"I didn’t feel anything at the time:the adrenaline took over and my focus was purely on stopping this man causing any more damage".

PC Koch, who underwent surgery yesterday, added, “As soon as I’m back on my feet I intend to visit the mosque and ask the imam to pass on my gratitude to the worshippers who put their own safety in jeopardy to assist me".

A 32-year-old man is being assessed in a secure mental health unit after a police officer and three men were stabbed at a mosque in Birmingham.

He was arrested in Washwood Heath after turning on worshippers during evening prayers on Saturday.

A 28-year-old man who suffered multiple stab wounds at a mosque in Birmingham last night remains in hospital along with a 36-year-old man who was stabbed in the thigh. A serving West Midlands Police officer is also receiving treatment.

Another victim, who suffered a hand injury, is recovering at home.

A 32-year-old man continues to be questioned by police after being arrested at the scene.

A man being held in connection with a multiple stabbing at a mosque in east Birmingham has been taken to a secure mental health facility, police have said.

The 32-year-old was arrested last night on suspicion of attempted murder following an incident in which three men and a police officer were stabbed at a mosque.

A statement from West Midlands Police said:

A police officer injured in knife attack at a Birmingham mosque was stabbed twice in the stomach and chest as he tried to restrain a man who had attacked three worshippers.

Police said that local officers, supported by armed colleagues arrived and gave first aid to the victims whilst securing the suspect and the scene.

The suspect was immediately arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and taken to a police station where he is still being held.

Chief Superintendent Alex Murray today praised the actions of the congregation and police who provided life-saving first aid to those who were injured as well as the officer who risked his own life to detain the knifeman.

The man who has been arrested for allegedly stabbing four people at a Birmingham mosque, including a police officer, was worshipping in the building but was not known there.

Chief Superintendent Alex Murray said the motivation for the attack was still "unknown" but added that there was "no information to suggest this was a hate crime."

He said that a police officer managed to disarm and detain the suspect after being stabbed - calling his actions "heroic."

The suspect was of Somali origin, the police added.

Community leaders in Ward End have appealed for calm after four people were stabbed at a Mosque in Birmingham last night. They have told ITV News Central that they believe it was an 'isolated incident.'

Police were called to Washwood Heath Road at 11pm to reports of a stabbing. While detaining a man, a police officer was also attacked. Four people are in hospital.

Police say the suspect was praying at the mosque at the time but had not been seen before. A 32-year-old man was arrested at the scene and is in police custody.

An attack at a mosque where three men and a police officer were stabbed was "not a hate crime" but the case of one worshipper turning on others, MP Liam Byrne has said.

Mr Byrne said it was his understanding that the man in police custody had been attending the mosque when the attack happened.

Extra police patrols are in Ward End in Birmingham this morning reassuring residents after four stabbings at a Mosque.

The victims are all in a stable condition in hospital after being injured on Washwood Heath Road at 11pm last night.

A 32-year-old man is being questioned on suspicion of attempted murder.