Two men injured after being hit by car outside Birmingham mosque
Police refuse to rule out terror
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Your support makes all the difference.Two men have been injured after they were hit by a car outside a mosque.
Police say they have not ruled out the possibility the incident, close to the Shah Jalal mosque in Birmingham, may be terror-related.
The men – both in their twenties – were struck in Ettington Road in the Aston area of the city at 2.15pm on Friday.
One victim suffered head injuries while the other was described by police as “walking wounded”. Both were left covered in blood, witnesses said.
The car sped away after the incident.
Detective Inspector Greg Evans, of West Midlands Police, said: "The investigation is at an early stage and we're still trying to establish exactly what has happened.
"At this time we have not ruled in or out the potential that this could be terror-related but we're keeping an open mind until we have investigated further.
"I'd really like to hear from anyone who has any information or CCTV of the incident or who may have dash cam footage."
Onlookers said one victim was knocked on to the bonnet of a parked car during the incident.
A worshipper who was attending prayers at the mosque said: "It was shocking to see the guys afterwards. It was like something out of a movie and it was really, really shocking."
Community activist Desmond Jaddoo urged local people not to speculate about motives, amid rumours that it may actually be linked to a dispute between groups of youths.
He said: "It's concerning. Two young men have been injured quite badly and it's caused a lot of tension within the local community at present. Clearly there is a need for calm.
"The police need to be allowed to conduct their investigations and personally I would urge anyone who knows anything about what has happened to contact the police."
Shabana Mahmood, MP for Birmingham Ladywood, said: "Today's incident is shocking and has caused huge concern across the local community.
"I'd urge anyone with information to come forward and help the police."
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