The Bolton Council of Mosques (BCoM) has been informed by GM Police about a murder on Friday night 21st December behind the Derby Ward Labour Club off Deane Road Bolton.

We have been working closely with the Police over the weekend. The victim was a twenty-eight year Asian man identified as Asaf Mahmood Ahmed. We also understand that two youths have been arrested and are in custody. As this early stage of the investigation the Police believe that the killing was racially motivated.

Mohammed Adam Chair of B-Com said “our thoughts and prayers are with the family and close relatives who have lost a loved one in this season of festivities.

This is a tragic event and it appears to be cold blooded. There is serious concern within the community particularly, as this tragedy comes only six weeks after the horrific murder in Bobby Heywood Park.

We need to give serious consideration as to why we have young men, children in some cases, in our society who are able to resort to such action, which is cold blooded and criminal.

We will continue to work closely with the Police, the local authority, the family and with the local community to ensure we can provide the necessary support and assistance. We are particularly keen to ensure that the family is supported through this tragic period and expect that the media will respect the family’s right to grieve in privacy.