Man set on fire walking home from Birmingham mosque - terror police investigating

[MenInG]

A man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Tuesday after a worshipper was targeted as he walked home from Dudley Road mosque in Birmingham on Monday evening.

West Midlands Police said the victim, in his 70s, was approached by a man who spoke to him briefly before spraying an “unknown substance” on his jacket and igniting it on Shenstone Road in the Edgbaston area.

Horrific CCTV of the attack showed the worshipper trying to fend off the assailant after he was sprayed, only to be consumed by an enormous ball of fire.

The victim suffered burns to his face and was taken to hospital with serious injuries, which the force said were not life-threatening.

Tayyab Riaz, the victim’s nephew, told the BBC the family was “very upset” and described the attack as “shocking news”.

“For 35 years he’s been going to that mosque to pray and there's never been a problem,” he said. “Suddenly this happens. His hair, beard and eyebrows are badly burnt. We’re praying he’s OK.”

It is understood that the involvement of specialist counter-terror officers was directly prompted by the stark similarities the attack bore to an incident in the Ealing area of London on February 27, when an 82-year-old worshipper was doused in petrol and set alight.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/ukne...p&cvid=130d38c68da74663abe521c641c28379&ei=11

 

[MenInG]

A man held after a pensioner was set alight as he left a Birmingham mosque has been arrested over a similar attack in west London last month.

An 82-year-old man was set alight outside a mosque in Ealing on 27 February. Mohammed Rayaz was set on fire in Edgbaston on Monday.

Mr Rayaz, in his 70s, suffered severe burns to his face and arms.

Detectives, supported by counter-terror police, are questioning the suspect on suspicion of attempted murder.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said both incidents were now being linked and the man had been arrested over the Ealing attack on Wednesday.

Detectives from the Met and West Midlands Police were working closely together to establish the full circumstances.

The victim in Ealing received hospital treatment for severe burns to his face and arms.

West Midlands Police said the suspect engaged the victim in conversation as they both left the West London Islamic Centre.

They spoke for a few minutes before the victim was doused in a liquid, believed to be petrol, and then set on fire.

Mr Rayaz remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital following a skin graft operation.

The retired factory worker was sprayed with a substance before his jacket was set on fire near his home on Shenstone Road, a short distance from the Dudley Road mosque he had left.

BBC

 

[KingKhanWC]

Disgusting attack against an elderly man.

 

[Champ_Pal]

Such a cowardly attack on an octogenarian. Could be a racist attack.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Such a cowardly attack on an octogenarian. Could be a racist attack.

It maybe but I dont think its racism as the suspect is black.

Its Islmaphobia which has the same discrimination and hate as racism.

The reason why these attacks take place is due to the demonistion and hate towards Muslims in the Media and by people on social networks sites.

People who think they are clever by using freedom of speech to demonise the faith are indirectly contributing to this hate which leads to attacks.

 

[Champ_Pal]

It maybe but I dont think its racism as the suspect is black.

Its Islmaphobia which has the same discrimination and hate as racism.

The reason why these attacks take place is due to the demonistion and hate towards Muslims in the Media and by people on social networks sites.

People who think they are clever by using freedom of speech to demonise the faith are indirectly contributing to this hate which leads to attacks.

He is black so he cannot be racist. What kind of logic is this? Most of the racist attacks on Asians in US are by Blacks.

Racism has no color.

 

[KingKhanWC]

He is black so he cannot be racist. What kind of logic is this? Most of the racist attacks on Asians in US are by Blacks.

Racism has no color.

Try reading again, I stated it maybe but most likely not. This is just my view or do you think we should be able to read minds of people? Tell me why you think its racist attack?

What I will say again, people should be careful not to spout hate against Muslims and Islam, even in the name of discussing faith etc. If I ever hear someone or see someone write this , I do not be gentle in my response, regardless of the consequences.

 

[Champ_Pal]

Try reading again, I stated it maybe but most likely not. This is just my view or do you think we should be able to read minds of people? Tell me why you think its racist attack?

What I will say again, people should be careful not to spout hate against Muslims and Islam, even in the name of discussing faith etc. If I ever hear someone or see someone write this , I do not be gentle in my response, regardless of the consequences.

Attacking an 80 year old and setting the man on fire is a clear racist attack. He was no threat to anyone. Its my view.

Discussing faith is the right way of questioning and analyzing one's beliefs. Hurling abuses and name calling is counter productive and should be discouraged.

 

[Saj]

Horrible this.

I'm afraid it's only going to get worse in the coming months and years.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Attacking an 80 year old and setting the man on fire is a clear racist attack. He was no threat to anyone. Its my view.

Discussing faith is the right way of questioning and analyzing one's beliefs. Hurling abuses and name calling is counter productive and should be discouraged.

He was walking home from the mosque. There have been other attacks of a similar nature. Its not clear its racist, the evidence points more to hate against the mans faith being the cause.

 

[Major]

Its sad that racism exists and despicable behavior to target an elderly.

Hope the guy recovers

 

[Double Trouble]

The man arrested was praying in the same mosque.

From the latest news he is Somalian Muslim.

So many African muslims have entered UK via European passports but a lot have struggled in the UK due to mental health issues.

We have had 2 cases in our mosque full of Subcontinent people were the African muslims have attacked people in the mosque for being 2 strict.

I feel for many of them sharing a house with 7/8 men getting bossed about every were. Something needs to be done to help them.

 

[sweep_shot]

Cowardly attack.

I hope there will be adequate punishment for this.

 

[KingKhanWC]

The man arrested was praying in the same mosque.

From the latest news he is Somalian Muslim.

So many African muslims have entered UK via European passports but a lot have struggled in the UK due to mental health issues.

We have had 2 cases in our mosque full of Subcontinent people were the African muslims have attacked people in the mosque for being 2 strict.

I feel for many of them sharing a house with 7/8 men getting bossed about every were. Something needs to be done to help them.

Thanks for the info.

Good to know it wasnt Islamaphobia or racism but some violent person attacking someone for other reasons.

However most African Muslims who arrived as refugees are not criminals or such evil people. You are likely correct its mental health. Tbf if you grew up in Somalia where bombs, shootings and killings are a regular occurance you will have suffered trauma. The UK needs to give them all professional help.

 

[Firebat]

What a horrific attack. Not the news people ever want to read, but especially before Ramadan when far more time will be spent in the mosque.

 

[daytrader]

UK police link attacks where men set on fire after leaving mosques

British police said on Wednesday a man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a man was set on fire on his way home from a mosque in central England had now also been arrested for a similar incident in London last month.

In the first incident, an 82-year-old victim was engaged in conversation by a man as they both left the West London Islamic Centre before he was doused in a liquid, believed to be petrol, and set alight. Police said the injured man suffered burns to his face and arms.

The second victim, a 70-year-old man, was walking home from a mosque in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham on Monday evening when he was approached by a man who sprayed him with a substance and then set his jacket alight. He remains in hospital with severe injuries.

"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," West Midlands Police said in a statement.

...
https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk...en-set-fire-after-leaving-mosques-2023-03-22/

 

[MenInG]

A suspect has been charged with two counts of attempted murder following attacks on men set alight outside mosques in Birmingham and London.

Mohammed Abbkr, 28, from Edgbaston in Birmingham, is alleged to have sprayed a substance on to the two victims in the separate incidents.

A man, 82, was set alight by a mosque in Ealing, west London, on 27 February.

Mohammed Rayaz, 70, was also set on fire and seriously injured in Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Monday.

The victim in west London, named locally as Mr Hashi, received hospital treatment for severe burns to his face and arms after the attack.

West Midlands Police said the suspect had engaged the man in conversation as they had both left West London Islamic Centre.

Members of the mosque described the incidents as "abhorrent and malicious attacks on two elders within our community".

Mr Hashi was released from hospital the following day and is now recuperating from his injuries, they said.

"As we commence the blessed month of Ramadan, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families," a spokesperson from West London Islamic Centre said.

Mr Rayaz's family said he remained in a serious but stable condition in hospital following a skin graft operation.

The retired factory worker was sprayed with a substance before his jacket was set on fire near his home in Shenstone Road, a short distance from the Dudley Road mosque he had left.

Family lawyer Shahbon Hussain said he had got a text message from Mr Rayaz's son moments afterwards.

"He heard his dad screaming, the family had gone out the house and seen him on fire," he said. "I immediately went over and the police, ambulance and fire brigade were already there."

Neighbours also helped to put flames out and carry Mr Rayaz to his home, the lawyer said.

The victim had been "touched at the outpouring of love and support" since the attack, said MP Shabana Mahmood, who spoke to him on a video call.

West Midlands Police said: "We continue to ask anyone with CCTV, ring doorbell footage or video footage that could help our investigation to send this to us directly."

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said officers had worked closely with detectives from the West Midlands force in the investigation.

Mr Abbkr is set to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court later.

BBC

 

[Rajdeep]

It maybe but I dont think its racism as the suspect is black.

Its Islmaphobia which has the same discrimination and hate as racism.

The reason why these attacks take place is due to the demonistion and hate towards Muslims in the Media and by people on social networks sites.

People who think they are clever by using freedom of speech to demonise the faith are indirectly contributing to this hate which leads to attacks.

Thanks for the info.

Good to know it wasnt Islamaphobia or racism but some violent person attacking someone for other reasons.

However most African Muslims who arrived as refugees are not criminals or such evil people. You are likely correct its mental health. Tbf if you grew up in Somalia where bombs, shootings and killings are a regular occurance you will have suffered trauma. The UK needs to give them all professional help.

These two posts are so contradictory, proper 360 degree turn...LOL. Without knowing anything about the incident, you blamed it as Islamophobia attack, racism, western media etc etc.

Then when it appeared the attacker was also a muslim, you are calling it as a mental health issue.

With respect, but people like you and your paranoa is the major reason of Islamophobia in western world. Once you fix yourself and not always play victim 24/7, islamophobia would dissappear too.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Who caused the tension between Muslims and blacks in Birmingham?.

Preet kaur gill MP was most shocked

 

[DeadlyVenom]

The man arrested was praying in the same mosque.

From the latest news he is Somalian Muslim.

So many African muslims have entered UK via European passports but a lot have struggled in the UK due to mental health issues.

We have had 2 cases in our mosque full of Subcontinent people were the African muslims have attacked people in the mosque for being 2 strict.

I feel for many of them sharing a house with 7/8 men getting bossed about every were. Something needs to be done to help them.

We have had similar instances of bad behaviour in mosques from Somali muslims where I am. Many of these peoples are real wacckos and their use of that drug that they chew makes them even more crazy.

In our mosque it kicked off when someone quietly asked them to keep quiet in the prayer hall and use another hall to have their conversations.

 

[the Great Khan]

These two posts are so contradictory, proper 360 degree turn...LOL. Without knowing anything about the incident, you blamed it as Islamophobia attack, racism, western media etc etc.

Then when it appeared the attacker was also a muslim, you are calling it as a mental health issue.

With respect, but people like you and your paranoa is the major reason of Islamophobia in western world. Once you fix yourself and not always play victim 24/7, islamophobia would dissappear too.

Your post sounded reasonable then just descended into the usual Indian Hindu anti Muslim fascist bakwaas..baaz nahi atay tum loag.

 

[gani999]

We have had similar instances of bad behaviour in mosques from Somali muslims where I am. Many of these peoples are real wacckos and their use of that drug that they chew makes them even more crazy.

In our mosque it kicked off when someone quietly asked them to keep quiet in the prayer hall and use another hall to have their conversations.

Which drug is this? Are you talking about Khat?

Khat is a very mild drug and certainly doesn't drive its consumer crazy. It can make some people talkative, though.

Even Ganja is more potent.

 

[Major]

Thanks for the info.

Good to know it wasnt Islamaphobia or racism but some violent person attacking someone for other reasons.

However most African Muslims who arrived as refugees are not criminals or such evil people. You are likely correct its mental health. Tbf if you grew up in Somalia where bombs, shootings and killings are a regular occurance you will have suffered trauma. The UK needs to give them all professional help.

how do you know it wasnt racism? Because both were muslims?

Funny how you are justifying this trauma.. I wonder if you would had justified this if this was a US veteren.

THan it would had been the usual rumbling of west, yahoodi, zionist, israel theories

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Which drug is this? Are you talking about Khat?

Khat is a very mild drug and certainly doesn't drive its consumer crazy. It can make some people talkative, though.

Even Ganja is more potent.

Yeah I think its Khat.

Im not sure about its effects and I never said it drove people crazy.

From observation the people that consume it and already have mental health issues usually get more angry and violent. Its not a good combination.

I may be wrong though.

 

[MenInG]

Lot of generalizations in this thread.

What I am happy about it is this guy is off the streets now.

 

[MenInG]

A man accused of setting fire to two Muslim worshippers outside mosques in Birmingham and London appeared in court today.

Mohammed Abbkr, 28, sprayed a substance on the victims and set them on fire in an attempt to kill them in February and March this year, it is claimed.

Hashi Odowa, 82, was set alight by a mosque in Ealing, west London, on 27 February this year.

A month later on March 20, Mohammed Rayaz, 70, was also set on fire and seriously injured in Edgbaston, Birmingham.

The retired factory worker was sprayed with a substance before his jacket was set alight near his home in Shenstone Road, near the Dudley Road mosque he had left.

Appearing today over video link from HMP Belmarsh Abbkr spoke, with the assistance of an Arabic interpreter, only to confirm his name and date of birth.

Mr Odowa received hospital treatment for severe burns to his face and arms after the attack near West London Islamic Centre.

He was released from hospital the following day and is now recuperating from his injuries.

Related video: Video shows man set on fire in horror attack as he walked home from Birmingham mosq
Mr Rayaz's family said he remained in a serious but stable condition in hospital following a skin graft operation.

Members of the mosque described the incidents as 'abhorrent and malicious attacks on two elders within our community'.

'As we commence the blessed month of Ramadan, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,' a spokesperson from the centre said.

Family lawyer Shahbon Hussain said he had got a text message from Mr Rayaz's son moments after the attack.

'He heard his dad screaming, the family had gone out the house and seen him on fire,' he said. 'I immediately went over and the police, ambulance and fire brigade were already there.'

Neighbours also helped to put flames out and carry Mr Rayaz to his home, the lawyer said.

The victim had been 'touched at the outpouring of love and support' since the attack, said MP Shabana Mahmood, who spoke to him on a video call.

West Midlands Police said: 'We continue to ask anyone with CCTV, ring doorbell footage or video footage that could help our investigation to send this to us directly.'

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said officers had worked closely with detectives from the West Midlands force in the investigation.

Abbkr, of Gillott Road, was remanded in custody ahead of his next hearing date on 7 July 2023 at Birmingham Crown Court.

His trial is due to be held on 9 October 2023 at the same court.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/ukne...p&cvid=cac7e5cfff8e459baefeda53cc3051a3&ei=13

 

[Bewal Express]

Horrific attacks in the last few weeks, the Police in my area have stepped up patrols.

 

[shaz619]

As far as the Brum incident is concerned, this is the feedback from the locals:

- The man spent two days in the mosque prior to the attack, the belief is, he was scouting his victim, e.g. who goes home alone and who doesn’t

- In the two days he was in the mosque, the man was sat there, seemingly praying, but he wasn’t facing the Qibla. So there’s a big ? there on whether he was actually a muslim

- In the mosque, locals gave him Salam, but he remained silent

- When he approached his victim on shenstone road, he asked him what language do you speak, the elderly man replied punjabi and was then set alight

We have good relations with the afro-caribbean and somalian community in the inner city, especially the winson green area or there would be madness everyday. However, with regards to this incident, the locals and community strongly feel this was a racist attack.

 

[KingKhanWC]

As far as the Brum incident is concerned, this is the feedback from the locals:

- The man spent two days in the mosque prior to the attack, the belief is, he was scouting his victim, e.g. who goes home alone and who doesn’t

- In the two days he was in the mosque, the man was sat there, seemingly praying, but he wasn’t facing the Qibla. So there’s a big ? there on whether he was actually a muslim

- In the mosque, locals gave him Salam, but he remained silent

- When he approached his victim on shenstone road, he asked him what language do you speak, the elderly man replied punjabi and was then set alight

We have good relations with the afro-caribbean and somalian community in the inner city, especially the winson green area or there would be madness everyday. However, with regards to this incident, the locals and community strongly feel this was a racist attack.

Thanks for the info bro. So it was a racist incident. Non-Muslim too so Islamaphobic attack too.

 

[shaz619]

Thanks for the info bro. So it was a racist incident. Non-Muslim too so Islamaphobic attack too.

Yes highly likely it was an Islamaphobic to in my opinion. I don’t believe this information/feedback will be released in the press given their own bias and the police probably don’t want to stir the pot further. Feel for the family big time, the elderly man is well known in the area and it’s disturbing, what happened.

 

[SalimBhai]

Yes highly likely it was an Islamaphobic to in my opinion. I don’t believe this information/feedback will be released in the press given their own bias and the police probably don’t want to stir the pot further. Feel for the family big time, the elderly man is well known in the area and it’s disturbing, what happened.

The suspects name is wait for ……….. Mohammed Abbkr,

 

[The_KING]

The suspects name is wait for ……….. Mohammed Abbkr,

He is probably another loser and frustrated ex Muslim.

 

[Osama Shafeeqe]

The suspects name is wait for ……….. Mohammed Abbkr,

There are some Nigerians and other Africans that were once Muslim i.e. one of their father's being Muslim but their mother could be Christian or grew up in the west and changed their religion.

An example of this would Kumaru Usman and his brother Muhammad Usman who are MMA fighters with Muslim sounding names but are actually Christian.

This man, by his actions in the mosque and his attack could well be a non-muslim.

 

[SalimBhai]

There are some Nigerians and other Africans that were once Muslim i.e. one of their father's being Muslim but their mother could be Christian or grew up in the west and changed their religion.

An example of this would Kumaru Usman and his brother Muhammad Usman who are MMA fighters with Muslim sounding names but are actually Christian.

This man, by his actions in the mosque and his attack could well be a non-muslim.

Or he could be a Muslim with mental issues. That’s what it seems like the most likely scenario

 

[KingKhanWC]

Yes highly likely it was an Islamaphobic to in my opinion. I don’t believe this information/feedback will be released in the press given their own bias and the police probably don’t want to stir the pot further. Feel for the family big time, the elderly man is well known in the area and it’s disturbing, what happened.

There is a video sent out from prison where he is being attacked, getting a good hiding by Muslims. I cant post it as its violent but you can find it on social media. These evil sick racist Islamaphobes need to realise they cant get away with such attacks on Muslims. I dont support violence but in such cases, its understandable.

 

[shaz619]

The suspects name is wait for ……….. Mohammed Abbkr,

If you are muslim, you should face the Qibla at least…

 

[KingKhanWC]

If you are muslim, you should face the Qibla at least…

Yep or not attack an elderly man coming out of a mosque. He might not come out with all his limbs and bones.

 

[shaz619]

There is a video sent out from prison where he is being attacked, getting a good hiding by Muslims. I cant post it as its violent but you can find it on social media. These evil sick racist Islamaphobes need to realise they cant get away with such attacks on Muslims. I dont support violence but in such cases, its understandable.

Bro you know the sort of people which are in prison, hungry, dangerous and extremely single minded in terms of motivation to do damage when it comes to these issues. Tommy Robinson has had plenty of good hidings in his time which he is yet to recover from, folk who share the same views need to understand that the concept of an eye for an eye, because there is always a response and people are very very angry right now, not just in the cell, the community leaders are doing their best to keep the peace and most people are fasting to and doing their best to control themselves

 

[KingKhanWC]

Bro you know the sort of people which are in prison, hungry, dangerous and extremely single minded in terms of motivation to do damage when it comes to these issues. Tommy Robinson has had plenty of good hidings in his time which he is yet to recover from, folk who share the same views need to understand that the concept of an eye for an eye, because there is always a response and people are very very angry right now, not just in the cell, the community leaders are doing their best to keep the peace and most people are fasting to and doing their best to control themselves

The police, courts and government have not helped by being relaxed in punishing Islamaphobes and not working hard enough to stop these from occuring. The governments starting from Blair are the main cause imo, they use demonisation of Muslims and Islam to push their immoral wars abroad which led to attacks on mainly the elderly and females. Racists and Islamaphobes are cowards, they wont confront young men and mostly spread their hate against those mentioned or on the internet safely behind their keyboards.

Mosques should have strong security and have a couple of big brothers at the doors checking those who enter and checking the CCTV to spot any abnormal behavior.

 

[shaz619]

The police, courts and government have not helped by being relaxed in punishing Islamaphobes and not working hard enough to stop these from occuring. The governments starting from Blair are the main cause imo, they use demonisation of Muslims and Islam to push their immoral wars abroad which led to attacks on mainly the elderly and females. Racists and Islamaphobes are cowards, they wont confront young men and mostly spread their hate against those mentioned or on the internet safely behind their keyboards.

Mosques should have strong security and have a couple of big brothers at the doors checking those who enter and checking the CCTV to spot any abnormal behavior.

Security is needed at the minimum, if am honest with you, the the committee at that mosque has historically mishandled local donations. Things are a lot better than they were, but it took them ages to expand, some of the ancient fellas need to be kicked out to bring more modernisation. There are other mosque’s in the area which have moved with the times much better alhamdulillah. Foreign policy for sure is at the heart of these attacks and they are not treated with the same urgency as other concerns in the media. And those brothers you mentioned are needed massively because the police wont help, you saw what happened in the same place during the riots in 2011, Tariq Jahan still doesn’t have justice

 

[SalimBhai]

If you are muslim, you should face the Qibla at least…

Yes that’s true. But not facing the Qibla not make him a non Muslim. I may be proven wrong , but at this moment there is zero evidence that This guy is a islamaphobe. He is some mentally deranged Somali Muslim . That’s all.

 

[shaz619]

Yes that’s true. But not facing the Qibla not make him a non Muslim. I may be proven wrong , but at this moment there is zero evidence that This guy is a islamaphobe. He is some mentally deranged Somali Muslim . That’s all.

His actions and behaviours witnessed by those present, indicate otherwise. When you pray, you must face the Qibla, if you’re trying to mimik others but in the wrong direction, that’s odd. It’s possible he may have been a disgruntled ex-muslim. But either way, this is an attack on muslims/Islam in a holy place of worship. The facts are pointing towards a deranged Islamophobe.