Update: Man who died on children’s playground named as former Qari

South Street cordoned off

The man who died after being found on a children’s’ playground in Wardleworth has been named as Jalal Uddin, a former Qari who was well known in the community.

A spokesperson for the Jamia Masjid Bilal Mosque said: “It is with deep sadness we inform you that our dear Qari, Jalal Uddin Saab, passed away last night.

“The cause of his death is yet to be confirmed, we recommend that you do not speculate but rather wait for the facts to be established by the police. Instead we urge you to raise your hands and make sincere dua for our beloved Qari Saab. There is not a day that would go by without seeing Qari Jalal Uddin at the masjid.”

The Rochdale Council of Mosques issued a statement on Facebook which reads: “It is really sad to learn of the death of Qari Jalal Uddin Sahib.

“We ask everyone to remain calm and let the police complete their investigations. It’s best that we don’t speculate - if you have any information that will help then please contact the police on 101 or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”

The scene remains cordoned off today (Friday 19 February) on South Street, Wardleworth.

A Home Office post-mortem examination is due to be carried out.

Superintendent Rick Jackson said: “We know local people will be worried when they hear the news of what has happened and we have extra patrols in place to try and reassure the community.

“If you have concerns or believe you may have seen, heard or know anything that can assist this investigation then please approach one of these officers.

“There has been a lot of speculation on social media about what has happened but I would to ask that people allow us to investigate this incident and if you have information then please contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at Rochdale police station on 101, or alternatively you can pass information to the police in confidence by calling Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/101195/man-found-injured-in-south-street-has-died