Abdul Ghafoor, the respected chairman of the Masjid Muhammadi mosque in Alum Rock, Birmingham, was reportedly stabbed twice during a suspected carjacking on Tuesday, 7 July 2026. The incident, which occurred on St Saviours Road shortly before midnight, involved four masked men, according to his nephew, Birmingham City Councillor Majid Mahmood. Mr Ghafoor, in his 60s, is currently in a stable condition in hospital, with his injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
Councillor Mahmood described the attack as an "appalling act of violence" that has left his family and the wider community in deep distress. He praised his uncle for bravely confronting the masked assailants. West Midlands Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident and have appealed for information, describing the attackers as Asian. They have stated that they believe this stabbing to be an isolated incident, with no links to other recent violent crimes in the area.
The attack on Mr Ghafoor comes just days after a shooting in a nearby street left a 16-year-old boy, also a relative of Councillor Mahmood, in a critical condition. Two 17-year-old boys have since been arrested in connection with the shooting, one on suspicion of attempted murder and the other on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. Police also discovered a gun on Friday, 10 July 2026, in an overgrown area next to a skatepark on Geranium Grove, Saltley, as part of their ongoing investigations.
Councillor Mahmood shared a statement expressing his profound shock and sadness over the attack on his uncle, whom he described as "one of the most humble, hardworking and respected individuals" in the community. He also extended his gratitude to the medical staff caring for Mr Ghafoor and urged the public to avoid speculation or sharing unverified information on social media. In response to the recent incidents, there has been an increased police presence in the Alum Rock area, aiming to reassure residents and deter further crime.
The close proximity of the Masjid Muhammadi mosque to the attack site, less than half a mile away on Hartopp Road, has amplified community concerns. The series of violent events has prompted calls for greater vigilance and community solidarity. As investigations continue into both the carjacking and the earlier shooting, local residents are hoping for swift justice and a return to peace and security in their neighbourhood.