Horrifying hammer attack in Bradford: Appeals for information as ‘thugs’ take over city street

DISAPPOINTED: A spokesperson for the Madni Jamia Masjad said the violent images ‘do not represent our community, our peaceful religion, nor humanity’

Islamic faith leaders and police from across Bradford are appealing for information after a shocking video showing a hammer attack on one of the city’s busiest streets was posted on social media.

The incident, which occurred on Friday 9th December, resulted in thousands of pounds worth of damage to Killinghall Fisheries, on Killinghall Road, as well as smashed windows to a car on the street.

Video footage shows up to four men carrying out the attack before fleeing in a white four-door Mercedes.

It is still unclear as to why the attack was carried out.

Following the incident, Detective Inspector Alan Weekes of Bradford CID, called for those responsible to be brought to justice.

UNACCEPTABLE: Video footage of the attack was posted on social media shortly after Friday prayers. Police are now appealing for information to trace the attackers

He said: “We are aware of footage thought to be of the incident circulating on social media and understandably members of the community are concerned about what it would appear to show.　

“I want to take this opportunity to appeal directly to the local community to identify anyone they see in the footage. Likewise if they have any information about what happened please come forward. I would also appeal to anyone who has footage to also come forward.　

“Incidents like this will not be tolerated.”

The incident occurred just after Jummah prayers, around 1.44pm.

Recording of the attack shows streets filled with shocked onlookers who had just left the nearby Madni Jamia Masjad.

A spokesman for the mosque, in Thornbury Road, posted a statement on Facebook, reiterating the need to find the attackers.

“As you may, or may not be aware, a group of mindless yobs carried out acts of senseless thuggery, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to a motor vehicle, as well the shop front of Killinghall Fisheries, after Jummah,” he said.

“First and foremost, these acts are condemned in their entirety not only by Madni Jamia Masjid, but our community as a whole. The thugs who were involved in the events of yesterday do not represent our community, our peaceful religion, nor humanity - the savagery of their actions was clear for all to see.

“There was a complete lack of respect for others’ property, a lack of respect for people trying to make a decent, honest living at Killinghall Fisheries, and more than that, a complete disregard for everyone around them - elders who had just finished their prayers and would have been frightened (I know my father was), youngsters, and the general public passing by on what is a very busy arterial road.”

He added: “Secondly, we as Muslims, complain that we are targeted unfairly and that Islamophobia is on the rise (true), but when such despicable occurrences take place, is it any surprise that we are in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons?

“Finally, regardless of the circumstances responsible for those heinous acts, the perpetrators are not a part of our peace-loving and close-knit community. So, if anyone is aware of those responsible for the thuggery which blighted the area on Friday, please stand up and be counted.”

If you have any information relating to the incident, you are asked to call the police on 101 quoting log 782 of Friday 9th December.