UPDATE 21/03/2022:
We have updated our original coverage to reflect the arrest of a man on suspicion of attempted murder, who remains in police custody. Counter-terror police are assisting West Midlands Police in their investigation. In addition, the force is engaging with the Met Police over a potential link with a similar attack on a Muslim pensioner in London last month.
UPDATE:
West Midlands Police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder
Counter-terror police are supporting the investigation.
They are working with the Met Police to see if a similar attack on an elderly Muslim man who was also set on fire last month are linked. pic.twitter.com/tPezwJHk5E
— Tell MAMA UK (@TellMamaUK) March 21, 2023
A man who was set alight after walking home from the Dudley Road mosque in Birmingham needed hospitalisation for severe injuries as West Midlands Police continue their investigation.
West Midlands Police said the attack happened on Brixham Road in Edgbaston just after 7 pm on Monday (March 20).
A press release from the force states that the man doused the victim’s jacket with an unknown substance before setting his jacket alight, resulting in severe burns to their face, having approached them in the street and briefly speaking with them before the shocking attack.
The statement added that the serious injuries “are thankfully not believed to be life-threatening”.
A man was set alight after leaving Dudley Road mosque last night, resulting in serious injuries that required hospitalisation.
Tell MAMA is liaising with West Midlands Police further.
Anyone with information can contact the police quoting 4009 of 21 March, via 101 or online. pic.twitter.com/YN8VwzoxoX
— Tell MAMA UK (@TellMamaUK) March 21, 2023
Videos circulated on social media showing a man being set alight are under review as part of the investigation.
Supt James Spencer, from Birmingham police, said: “Our officers have been working through the night to establish what happened and who is responsible.
“I’ve been speaking to people in this morning, and so I know just how concerned they are and that people are after answers.
“We are determined to find the person responsible and get those answers as soon as possible, and I’d urge the community to work with us and to avoid any speculation at this stage.”
Additional officers are in the area to provide reassurance patrols and answer community questions.
Tell MAMA is liaising further with West Midlands Police, and we endeavour to provide further updates where possible.
Anyone with information can contact the police via their online Live Chat, quoting log 4009 of 21 March, or calling the non-emergency 101 number. Tell MAMA can pass information to the police anonymously or on your behalf if requested.