Funeral held for Barkerend stabbing victim Luqman Ishfaq

The 23-year-old was stabbed in Barlow Street, in Barkerend, Bradford on October 21 at 10.29pm and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.

A murder investigation was launched by West Yorkshire Police and 15 people in total have been arrested in relation to his death so far.

The most recent update from the force on Monday was that the latest four to be detained – all on suspicion of murder – had been released on bail pending further enquiries.

More than a thousand people turned up to Madni Jamia Masjid mosque, in Thornbury Road, Bradford for the funeral of Luqman Ishfaq (Image: Telegraph & Argus) A funeral service for Luqman was held at 1.30pm today at Madni Jamia Masjid mosque, in Thornbury Road.

The building was full on both floors with mourners, with many having to pay their respects as part of the ceremony outside in the car park.

After initial prayers, the coffin was carried into the crowded main prayer room on the first floor and placed at the front.

The main prayer room was full, with people taking part in the service for Luqman Ishfaq (Image: Telegraph & Argus) Imam Hafiz Jameel then spoke to those in and outside the building.

He said: “Now we have all gathered here for the funeral prayer of our young Muslim brother, 23 years old, Luqman Ishfaq.”

The imam added: “He was born, he was raised, born and bred, in this community, on these streets, in BD3.

“And, unfortunately, the same streets in which, the same area in which, he was killed.”

Imam Hafiz Jameel spoke to those at the mosque (Image: Telegraph & Argus) The words of Luqman’s family, who described him as a “kind-hearted and loyal man”, were echoed by the imam.

He said: “Brother Luqman was a very kind individual, every second person is respecting this individual, every second person is praising this brother.”

The imam spoke of personally seeing Luqman in the mosque often and that the 23-year-old would sit with him and ask questions about the religion.

He said: “Often we would have these conversations.

“For how many youngsters I can say that I regularly see them praying Salah and also enquiring on the religion, probably 10 in a thousand.”

Luqman Ishfaq (Image: West Yorkshire Police) There was also a stark warning from the Imam, who said Luqman’s death is a “wakeup call”.

He said: “These streets, this area, it’s getting bad from worse – it’s getting worse, day by day, year by year.

“And this is a wakeup call for everyone in the community – parents, schools, Masajid, everyone that has an authority in this area, this is a wakeup call for everyone.”

The main prayer room was full, with people taking part in the service for Luqman Ishfaq (Image: Telegraph & Argus) After the service, a burial ceremony was held at Scholemoor Cemetery.

Officers are continuing to appeal for information in relation to their investigation.

Anyone who can help, or who has footage which may assist, is urged to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team on 101, or by using the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website.

You should quote crime reference number: 13240574802.

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers online, or on: 0800 555 111.