The main suspect in the murder of a former imam in Rochdale has left the UK, the Guardian can disclose, as it emerged the investigating team had been expanded to include anti-terrorism officers.
Jalal Uddin, 64, from Bangladesh, was discovered with a fatal head injury in a children’s playground in February.
On Thursday, police arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of arranging funds for terrorism, and a 28-year-old man on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. A third man, 21, was also being questioned further on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, after he answered bail.
But police confirmed reports that the main suspect in the murder, who has not yet been officially named, had left the country.
Officers are believed to be investigating the possibility that Uddin was targeted in a deliberate “hit”, amid reports that his murder may have been linked to his attempts to “de-radicalise” young people in the area.
It is also understood that some of the men arrested, and others who have been questioned, had links to a charity in Syria.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester police said: “We can confirm that officers investigating the murder of Jalal Uddin have identified a man they wish to speak to in connection with the incident. Efforts by the north-west counterterrorism unit to trace the man are currently ongoing.”
Mohammed Hussain Syeedy, 21, of Ramsay Street, Rochdale, has been charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder. He appeared at Bury magistrates court on 29 February, when he was remanded. He will appear at Manchester crown court on 22 August.
Uddin had been to evening prayers at the Jalali Jame mosque on 18 February before visiting a friend for dinner in the Wardleworth area of Rochdale. He left the friend’s house on South Street at about 8.40pm and was found 20 minutes later in the playground at the end of that street, covered in blood with serious head injuries. Paramedics and police attended the scene, but Uddin died in hospital.
Muslim leaders responded to the murder by pleading with the community to remain calm until detectives had given a firm motive for the attack.
A special service was held at the mosque in Trafalgar Street in tribute to Uddin who was “known and loved throughout the community”. He was described as someone who was peaceful, caring, and “never hurt a fly”.
Asst Ch Con Rebekah Sutcliffe said on Thursday: “The investigation into Jalal’s murder has so far been a far-reaching and diligent process with a team of officers working meticulously to examine every lead that has come to light.
“We are continuing to make good strides in the investigation, which would not be possible without the understanding and support of members of the public.”
A 17-year-old boy who was arrested on 22 February on suspicion of murder answered bail earlier this month and was bailed again until June.
