A MAN blinded in a brutal attack has made one of his first public appearances since returning to the mosque where he teaches.
Imam Hafiz Salik, 60, was welcomed with open arms by MP Alan Johnson when he presented awards to children at Hull Mosque and Islamic Centre in west Hull yesterday.
The awards had to be postponed after Imam Salik was blinded in one eye when he was attacked by a stranger who stopped his car and punched him.
He has been supported in his recovery by the families of the children he teaches, who were delighted to see him back at the mosque.
Imam Salik's son Ateeq, 24, said: "He has been coming to the mosque for prayers but the awards were the first public event he has done.
"The awards were supposed to be a week after the attack but we postponed them.
"He has been looking forward to it a lot, to say the least.
"He was the one up came up with the idea of the awards many years ago, so to see it continue is important to him.
"He is very passionate about educating the community and all the extra lessons we hold at the mosque."
The event saw more than 50 awards handed out to students in what was the 16th year of the event.
They ranged from most improved student to student of the year and best character awards.
Children who attend the mosque are invited to take part in the lessons and exams, studying topics including Islamic history and Arabic.
Members of the community in west Hull, including councillors and police officers, were invited to see the awards being presented.
Mr Johnson, MP for Hull West and Hessle, said: "It is great the awards were able to still go ahead and that Imam Salik is doing so well.
"He has gone out of his way to ensure this doesn't stir up any aggression or trouble.
"The mosque has a strong community and is very cohesive. Their principles of tolerance, charity and solidarity with those less fortunate than themselves are very much the principles of this city.
"That is why the mosque and its people are so welcome here.
"Unfortunately, there has been no further progress in catching the person who attacked him but, hopefully, police will eventually find him."
CCTV appealPOLICE continue to appeal for help to identify two men and a woman wanted in connection with the attack.
CCTV images show the three people walking along Princes Avenue on the night Imam Hafiz Salik was assaulted.
Despite several appeals, police have been unable to identify the members of the group.
Although only one man is believed to have attacked the imam, the offender was with a man and a woman at the time.
Detective Sergeant Craig Nicholson, of the public protection unit, said: "We do not know at this stage if they are connected in any way, however, we are keen to identify them as part of our investigation and eliminate them from our inquiries if appropriate."
The assailant is described as white, about 5ft 6in, with short, brown hair. He is well built and aged between 25 and 30. He was wearing a dark stone-coloured jacket, shirt and trousers.
Anyone with information should call Humberside Police on 101.
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