Counter-terror police are part of a police probe after a man walking home from a mosque in Birmingham was set on fire.
The victim, yet to be named publicly, was targeted in Edgbaston, Birmingham, just after 7pm on Monday when he was walking home from Dudley Road mosque.
He was approached by a man who sprayed him with an unknown substance before his jacket was set on fire, causing burns to his face, police say.
The man was taken to hospital with serious injuries which are thankfully not believed to be life-threatening.
West Midlands Police arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder on Tuesday afternoon.
Chief Supt Richard North, Commander at Birmingham police, said: “Our officers have been working through the night to establish what happened and who is responsible.
“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.”
Extra officers will be in the area today to speak to the community and to provide reassurance.
Chief Supt Richard North continued: “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.”
The force is investigating whether the attack is linked to a similar attack last month in which an 82-year-old man was set on fire as he left a mosque in Ealing, West London.
