Munawar Hussain, a man from Lancashire, has been given an indefinite hospital order following his conviction for attempted murder and assault in two separate incidents.
The sentence, delivered on 2 September 2024, follows an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW).
Hussain, aged 60, will be detained at a hospital in Merseyside under a Section 37 Hospital Order, with additional restrictions under Section 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983, which limit his release to the approval of the Secretary of State for Justice or the Mental Health Tribunal.
Hussain was involved in two serious attacks, beginning with a knife attack at a Marks and Spencer store in Burnley on 2 December 2020. He targeted both the shop manager and a customer, inflicting serious injuries on both victims, who required extensive medical treatment.
Hussain later claimed that he targeted the store because he believed Marks and Spencer supported Israel in its treatment of Palestinians. He was quickly apprehended by store security and members of the public before police arrived and arrested him. Hussain was initially detained under the Mental Health Act shortly after his arrest.
While awaiting sentencing, Hussain committed another attack on 26 June 2023, this time attempting to murder a male nurse at the secure mental health hospital where he was being held. Using a kitchen knife, he tried to stab the nurse, for which he later pleaded guilty.
Chief Superintendent Sarah Kenwright of CTPNW commented on the case, saying, “These incidents are deeply disturbing and traumatising for all the victims. We have supported them, and they have been at the forefront of our minds throughout the investigation and the subsequent trial.”
She added, “No one should go to their place of work or out shopping and fear for their lives. Sadly, this has been a reality for three people, who have undoubtedly had their lives changed, both physically and mentally, by Hussain’s actions.”
