Council officers and local councillors in Birmingham have offered their support to residents of Edgbaston after a man was set alight on the way home from a mosque.
The victim, who was walking home from Dudley Road mosque on Monday, was approached by a man who sprayed him with an unknown substance before setting his jacket on fire.
He was taken to hospital with serious injuries which are not believed to be life threatening.
A man was yesterday arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Chief Supt 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.’
A similar incident recently took place in the Ealing area of London. West Midlands Police said they were investigating to see if there was a link.
Responding to the attack, Birmingham City Council leader Cllr Ian Ward, Cllr John Cotton, cabinet member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, and ward councillors Cllr Sharon Thompson and Cllr Marcus Bernasconi, said: ‘This was an horrific attack and our thoughts are with the victim and his family at such a distressing time.
‘Councillors and the Community Safety team are speaking to the family and West Midlands Police. We will continue to offer our support.
‘Council officers, local councillors and MP have also been engaging with community groups and local mosques to offer support to the wider community.
‘We would urge the community to work with the police and to avoid any speculation at this stage – and also like to thank them for their willingness to share information on this incident.’
