Rochdale imam 'murder': Two men arrested over killing of Jalal Uddin

Jalal Uddin was found with head injuries by passers-by on 19 February

Jalal Uddin, 64, died after being found with head injuries in a children's hospital (Manchester Evening News)

A 21-year-old man and a 17-year-old have been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 64-year-old imam in Rochdale, Greater Manchester Police said.

The pair were arrested at the same address in Ramsey Street, Rochdale, on Monday.

Jalal Uddin was found with head injuries in a children's playground on 19 February.

Mr Uddin had attended evening prayers before visiting a friend for dinner, and was taking a short-cut while walking home.

Mr Uddin was the former imam of Rochdale’s Jalalia Jaame Mosque (Google)

Police and paramedics were called to the scene but he died of his injuries in hospital.

Detective Chief Inspector Terry Crompton, of GMP’s Serious Crime Division, said: “Our investigation is continuing at a quick pace and we have carried out a significant number of enquiries since the tragic events of last Thursday to establish what happened to Jalal.

“We have got two people in custody and I hope these arrests, along with the police activity on Ramsey Street today will reassure the public of just how serious we are taking this investigation."

A 31-year-old man was arrested on Friday 19 February on suspicion of murder, but he has now been released without charge and eliminated from police enquiries.

Anyone with informatin is asked to contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.