Suspect held in custody after two men set on fire in Birmingham and London near mosques

A man has been remanded in custody after two men were set on fire near mosques in Birmingham and London.

Mohammed Abbkr, 28, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court charged with attempting to murder two men who were set alight after they left mosques in Birmingham and London.

West Midlands Police earlier said Abbkr is alleged to have sprayed a substance on two elderly men and set it alight in separate attacks, in Ealing on February 27 and Birmingham on March 20.

The victim in Edgbaston, Mohammed Rayaz, suffered facial burns when his jacket was set alight in Shenstone Road Birmingham, at around 7pm on Monday.

Mr Rayaz was taken to hospital with serious injuries which are not believed to be life threatening.

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

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

Police have urged anyone with information to contact them on 101 or alternatively, get in touch via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.