Ealing and Birmingham: Man arrested on suspicion of setting two people on fire as they left mosques

Counter Terrorism Policing are supporting the investigation but officers are “keeping an open mind”.
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A man has been arrested on suspicion of setting a person on fire after they left a mosque in Ealing - having already been arrested following a similar incident in Birmingham.

West Midlands Police made an arrest on Tuesday on suspicion of the attempted murder of a man in Edgbaston, Birmingham.

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The Met Police says that incident and an incident where a man was set on fire in Ealing have now been linked.

The man has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted murder.

Counter Terrorism Policing are supporting the investigation but the Met says officers are “keeping an open mind as to any potential motivation”.

Ealing attack

The incident in Ealing occurred at around 8pm on Monday, February 27.

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A man engaged the victim in conversation as they both left the West London Islamic Centre. They had been speaking for around five minutes when the victim was doused in a liquid, believed to be petrol, and set alight. The attacker then walked away.

The victim was taken to hospital where he received treatment for severe burns to his face and arms.

Edgbaston, Birmingham, attack

A 70-year-old victim who was set alight on Shenstone Road in Edgbaston, at just after 7pm on Monday (March 20) as he walked home from Dudley Road mosque remains in hospital with severe injuries.

West Midlands Police and Met Police investigation

West Midlands Police is leading the investigation but detectives from the Met’s West Area Command are working with their counterparts to “establish the full circumstances”.

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Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, of the Met’s West Area Command, said: “We completely understand the shock that resonated throughout the community following this incident.

“Despite a man having been arrested, we continue to be vigilant and urge local people to do the same. Highly visible patrols around Singapore Road will continue in the coming days to provide reassurance to local people and I urge anyone who is concerned to approach officers.”

Witnesses

Anyone with information who has not yet spoken with police should call 101 quoting CAD 6422/27Feb.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency always call 999.