Horror as OAP, 82, is doused in petrol and set on FIRE outside mosque – with cops launching urgent manhunt

COPS have launched an urgent manhunt after an 82-year-old man was doused in petrol and set on fire outside a mosque.

The Metropolitan Police were called to West Ealing, London at around 8pm on February 27 after the elderly man suffered severe burns.

Police have now released an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the attack.

The suspect doused the victim with a liquid believed to be petrol as they both left the West London Islamic Centre, before setting it alight with a lighter.

The two men had been speaking as they left the centre, police said.

The OAP received hospital treatment for severe burns to his face and arms.

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Detective Sergeant Steven Constable said: “I know this will be an incredibly shocking incident for the community and we are carrying out a full investigation into what happened.

"Understandably, there is a great deal of local concern in the wake of this incident and local officers have been carrying out reassurance patrols daily at the mosque.

"We are continuing to work alongside the West London Islamic Centre who have been very supportive of our investigation and have been assisting us with our enquiries."

He added: "A key part of that is identifying the man in the image we have released.

"If you recognise this man I would urge you to get in touch, either directly with police or to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers.

"I would also urge anyone who witnessed this incident and has not yet spoken to police to please get in touch.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesman added: "Enquiries to establish the circumstances of the incident are ongoing."