Police have issued a statement following the acquittal of a man accused of attempted murder in a stabbing near Oxford Central Mosque.

Hassan Hussain, 25, stood trial at Oxford Crown Court, charged with attempting to murder Kane Khan, who was stabbed outside the mosque on March 13 last year. Mr. Khan, attending an event at the time, managed to run back inside the mosque gates to seek help and was later hospitalized with a serious abdominal injury.

Hussain, of Nye Bevan Close, Oxford, faced charges of attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. While he was found not guilty of attempted murder, he was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm. Sentencing is scheduled for April 4 at the same court.

Following the verdict, Detective Chief Inspector Krista Thompson released a statement condemning the attack:

“This was a horrific act of violence that left the victim with serious injuries. Hussain displayed an extreme level of brutality.

“This case highlights Thames Valley Police’s zero-tolerance approach to serious violence. We will relentlessly pursue, arrest, and prosecute those involved in such crimes.

“Our officers are actively targeting individuals carrying weapons. If you choose to carry a knife, expect to be stopped, searched, arrested, and in some cases, sent to prison immediately.

“The community’s cooperation is vital in tackling violent crime. If you have information about knife possession or violence in Oxford, please report it by calling 101 or submitting a report on our website. For complete anonymity, contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.”

Additionally, two other men, Shahroz Khan, 24, of Mortimer Road, and Bilal Khan, 25, of Abingdon Road, were tried for conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm.

Prosecutors alleged that Shahroz Khan acted as a ‘spotter,’ informing Hussain of the victim’s location, while Bilal Khan was accused of driving the group away from Oxford after the attack.

Both denied involvement and were found not guilty of all charges. However, Shahroz Khan is due to be sentenced on April 4 for unrelated offences.