A former imam has died after he was found with serious head injuries at a children’s playground.

Jalal Uddin, former imam at Jalalia Jaame Mosque in Rochdale , was taking a short cut through the playground on his way home after eating dinner at a friend’s house in South Street.

Just 20 minutes after leaving the house he was found covered in blood with serious head injuries at the playground at the end of South Street in the Wardleworth area of the town.

Mr Uddin was discovered at about 9pm and passers-by tended to him until paramedics and police arrived at the scene.

It is not yet clear whether he had been attacked but friends said his injuries did not look as though they could have been caused in a fall.

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This morning a huge cordon surrounded the area and nearby streets.

Police said a major investigation has been launched and a Home Office post mortem is due to take place later today.

Detective Superintendent Jon Chadwick of GMP’s Serious Crime Division said: “A man has sadly died after being found injured by passing members of the public, and we are now doing all we can to try and identify who he is, so that we can speak with and support this man’s family.

“Our investigation is at an early stage but we are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area near to where he was found in Wardleworth last night, as we work to establish how this man came to suffer his head injury."

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.

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“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.”

Mr Uddin had been to evening prayers at Bilal Jamia Masjid Mosque in Bulwer Street before visiting his friend.

Community member Farooq Ahmed said: “The passers-by tried to revive him, but sadly he lost his life.

“The police have cordoned the whole area off.

“The extent of the bleeding and the injuries that he had can’t have been from a fall.

“The whole community is shocked by what has happened.”

He added: “He was a quiet person. He didn’t interfere in anybody’s issues and he was respected.

“It’s a sad loss."

(Image: Steve Allen)

The mosque association and local Ramadhan Foundation both today appealed for calm in the wake of Mr Uddin’s death.

In a Facebook post, the mosque confirmed the death of Mr Uddin.

Mosque leaders called for prayers to be said in his memory and revealed that he attended the mosque almost every day.

They 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.”

Calling for calm in the community, Rochdale Council of Mosques also issued an announcement on Facebook.

They said: “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.”

Both mosques near the scene remain open and Friday prayers will be held as normal.

They added: “Please note there is heavy police, forensics on scene. So please listen to instructions/directions given when you arrive. We ask everyone to remain calm, be sensible when in the area and pray for the deceased Qari Jalal Uddin sahib.”

Mr Mohammed Shafiq, chief executive of the Ramadhan Foundation in Rochdale, has paid tribute to Mr Uddin.

He said: The news that a popular local Imam from Rochdale died last night returning from prayers at a local mosque is shocking and tragic.

Whilst it is too early to speculate about the circumstances we would urge the community of Rochdale to stay united and calm.

Mr Uddin was on his return home from Jalali Jame Mosque when he died. We pay tribute to him and his unique contribution to our community in Rochdale. We offer our sincere condolences and prayers to his family, friends and the wider community.

We would urge all local Mosques in Rochdale to consider emergency security precautions and facilities to help local people return home safely from the Mosque. Furthermore mosques should also consider buddying various people together to ensure vulnerable people are supported.