Mohammed Abbkr, 28, from Edgbaston, Birmingham, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder following shocking fire attacks on elderly men.
Abbkr is accused of spraying a flammable substance on the victims before setting them on fire in two separate incidents.
The first attack occurred on February 27 at a mosque in Ealing, West London, where 82-year-old Hashi Odowa was doused with the substance. He suffered severe burns to his face and arms and was rushed to hospital for treatment. Members of the mosque described the attack as “abhorrent and malicious.”
Just days later, 70-year-old Mohammed Rayaz was targeted near his home in Edgbaston, Birmingham. His jacket was set alight after being sprayed with a flammable liquid. He remains in serious but stable condition following surgery.
The attacks have sparked outrage across communities. The Muslim community has expressed feeling particularly threatened by these incidents. A spokesperson from a West London Islamic Centre said, “As we begin the blessed month of Ramadan, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.”
Police from the West Midlands and Metropolitan Police forces are collaborating on the investigation. They have urged anyone with CCTV footage or other information to come forward to assist in solving the case.
Mohammed Abbkr appeared in court and remains in custody. His next hearing is scheduled for April 20.
Originally published by UKNIP.
