FIRE HORROR
Birmingham attack: Terror cops launch probe after men set on fire as they left mosques in 2 attacks with man arrested
TERROR cops have launched an investigation after two men were set alight while leaving mosques in separate attacks weeks apart.
Last night one victim had his jacket "sprayed with an unknown substance" and set alight on a residential street in Birmingham.
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Video shows the victim speaking to a stranger before he is shockingly set alight.
A man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder today on Dudley Road after officers in the area identified him as the suspect. He remains in custody.
And police are now investigating links to an identical attack outside a mosque in Ealing three weeks ago on an 82-year-old man.
The London victim suffered severe burns after he was doused in liquid and set alight outside the West London Islamic Centre on Singapore Road.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of a similar incident in the Ealing area of London and we are working with the Metropolitan Police Service to see whether they are linked."
The force said counter-terrorism officers were supporting the investigation into the Edgbaston incident.
Meanwhile Chief Superintendent Richard North, Commander at Birmingham police, said: "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.
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"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."
Extra officers will be in the area today to speak to the community and to provide reassurance.
Chief Supt North added: "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.
";We would ask the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to us.
"We are aware of a similar incident in the Ealing area of London and we are working with the Metropolitan Police Service to see whether they are linked."
Birmingham Ladywood MP Shabana Mahmood said: “I was appalled to hear of this shocking attack in our community.
"I am in contact with the victim’s family and I am sending them thoughts and prayers.
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“I have been working closely with the police, local councillors, the community to support the ongoing investigation.”
Anyone with information can call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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