Local MP's reassure community after man set alight in Birmingham
The attack happened in Edgbaston on Monday evening.
Last updated 22nd Mar 2023
Local MP's have met today to offer their reassurance to the community, after a man was set alight walking home from a mosque in Edgbaston.
The MP for Ladywood, Shabana Mahmood, who is a close friend of the victims family, said she was in absolute shock when she heard the news: " I received a text message from the victims son, who I have known for many years.
"His first message was "Shabana, my dad has just been set on fire." To be perfectly honesty, I couldn't process what I was reading."
She said it's important the community feel reassured as the Holy month of Ramadan starts this evening.
The victim suffered facial burns when his jacket was set alight in Shenstone Road in Edgbaston at around 7pm on Monday.
Police are continuing to question a man on suspicion of attempted murder. He was arrested on Tuesday afternoon on Dudley Road.
The family spokesperson, Shahbon Hussain, told us how grateful they are for all the support they have received.
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.
He added: "Our officers have been working through the night to establish what happened and who is responsible.
"We have officers patrolling the local area to reassure people and we are visiting local faith establishments to keep them informed."
"We are taking this matter extremely seriously and are using all resources available to us. We are keeping an open mind to the motive of the attacker and we won't speculate further at this stage.
"We're examining CCTV and speaking to witnesses. I've been speaking to people this morning, and so I know just how concerned they are and that people are after answers.
"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."
"He spoke to him briefly before spraying him with an unknown substance and then his jacket was set alight, causing burns to his face.
"He was taken to hospital with serious injuries which are thankfully not believed to be life-threatening."
The man was identified by officers who were in the area carrying out inquiries following the attack.
Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch with West Midlands Police via Live Chat on the force website or to contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.