Man held over Birmingham fire attack being questioned for London incident
Police have been looking at whether the two incidents were linked.
Last updated 22nd Mar 2023
A man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a man was set alight in Birmingham has now been arrested for a similar incident in London.
Mohammed Ryaz, 70, was set on fire on his way back from Dudley Road Mosque in the Edgbaston area of the city at about 7pm on Monday.
Police say it is linked to a similar attack on a man walking back from West London Islamic Centre in Ealing on February 27.
The suspect was arrested on Tuesday.
Detectives from the Met's west area command are working closely with West Midlands Police, which is leading the investigation, to establish the full circumstances.
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."
The incident in Ealing happened on Monday 27 February at around 8pm.
A statement from West Midlands Police said: "At this stage we cannot speculate around the motive for the attacks, this is a live investigation and our main aim is to make sure communities are safe and that we bring justice for the victims.
"If you have any CCTV, ring doorbell footage or video footage that could help our investigation then you can send this to us directly vis the website."
Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch on 101 or alternatively, get in touch via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.