Counter-terrorism police are involved in an investigation after elderly man was set on fire while he was walking home from a mosque.
One man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, it was announced today by West Midlands Police.
The victim was allegedly confronted by another man after he left the place of worship on Dudley Road, in Birmingham, just after 7pm last night.
The pair are thought to have spoken briefly on Brixham Road, in the neighbourhood of Edgbaston, before the victim was sprayed with an unknown substance and his jacket went up in flames.
He suffered burns to his face and was taken to hospital with serious injuries, but they are not believed to be life-threatening.
Footage has been circulating on social media, appearing to show a man in a backpack pointing at – and at one point pushing – another man before setting him alight.
West Midlands Police is working with the Metropolitan Police to see whether a similar incident in the Ealing area of London is linked.
An 82-year-old man was set alight on Singapore Road on February 27 after departing the West London Islamic Centre.
Chief Superintendent Richard North, commander at Birmingham police, said: ‘Our investigation continues with support from Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands CTU who have access to specialist capabilities to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
‘We have officers patrolling the local area to reassure people and we are visiting local faith establishments to keep them informed…’
‘We are determined to 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.’
Anyone who thinks they might have information on the crime has been asked to come forward.
Extra officers will be in the area to speak to the community and to provide reassurance.
