Police make attempted murder arrest after man set on fire during horrific attack on walk home
The attack took place on Brixham Road in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham
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Police have made an arrest on suspicion of attempted murder after a man was set on fire as he walked home in Edgbaston, Birmingham, last night.
The victim was rushed to hospital with burns to his face but it is thought his injuries are not life threatening.
This afternoon, a man has been arrested after he was identified by officers who were in the area carrying out inquiries into the attack.
The victim was approached by another man as he walked home from a mosque in Birmingham
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He remains in custody at this time.
According to police, the motive for the attack remains unclear.
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.”
Officers say they are investigating a video of the incident which has been shared on social media as part of their inquiries.
West Midlands Police have deployed extra officers in the area today to speak to the community and to provide reassurance.
The force is asking the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.
Chief Supt Richard 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.
The victim was rushed to hospital with burns to his face
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“We have officers patrolling the local area to reassure people and we are visiting local faith establishments to keep them informed.”
Following the attack, a joint statement from the Birmingham City Council Leader, Cllr Ian Ward, Cabinet Member, Cllr John Cotton and ward councillors, Cllr Sharon Thompson, and Cllr Marcus Bernasconi, was issued this morning.
The statement said: “This was a horrific attack, and our thoughts are with the victim and his family at such a distressing time.
“Councillors and the Community Safety team are speaking to the family and West Midlands Police. We will continue to offer our support.”
Additional words by GB News West Midlands reporter Jack Carson.