Racist student admits murder

West Midlands Police have released an interview with Pavlo Lapshyn, the man who was sentenced today to life in prison with a minimum of 40 years for the murder of a Birmingham pensioner and for terrorism offences.

Mohammed Saleem's daugher Shazia Khan was among relatives who watched from the public gallery as sentence was passed.

Mr Justice Sweeney read her victim impact statement that said the effect of her father's violent death was "a rollercoaster experience where the ride will never end".

She said that her mother cannot accept the death of her husband of more than 50 years, and is haunted by thoughts that she could have saved him.

The family of murdered Birmingham pensioner Mohammed Saleem say they are pleased with today's outcome and say they hope he gets the sentence he deserves.

Mr Saleem's daughter Shazia Khan read out a statement on behalf of the family after the hearing.

Home Secretary Theresa May said:

A Ukrainian lecturer told ITV News Pavlo Lapsyhn, who pleaded guilty to the murder of a Muslim pensioner, was described as a "clever and shy" person and it was a surprise when he was charged with his crimes.

Timeline: Mohammed Saleem murder and mosque attacks

Pictures: CCTV images of Lapshyn preparing and carrying out attacks

The father of Pavlo Lapshyn, who killed a Muslim pensioner and planted three bombs near mosques, told ITV News his grandmother was a Muslim.

Sergey Lapshyn added that the news was a "disaster" to his family: "What is there to say? We've got a disaster in our family. We just hope not everything is attributed to him, at least not the murder. I just can't believe he could murder."

The father of Pavlo Lapshyn, who murdered a Muslim pensioner and planted three bombs at mosques, told ITV News his son had previously detonated a "chemical experiment" at home in Ukraine.

Timeline: Mohammed Saleem murder and mosque attacks

Sergey Lapshyn said: "Well, once, when he was home alone, he did some chemical experiments. It was very hot, and the mix detonated. Of course we got back home immediately and none of our neighbours said anything bad.

"They just asked us not to be so loud. We talked to Pavel it about it and it looked like he stopped experimenting."

Lapshyn's father also added that he had concerns over the case: "I've got a lot of questions. First, I don't believe he killed anyone. I just can't believe this. Second, fascism...he never was involved in politics.

"Okay, he may have been stressed, something clicked and he got certain ideas. But then, why did he try to blow up a mosque, not a synagogue? There's no logic. I've got many questions, and not many answers."

Pictures: CCTV images of Lapshyn preparing and carrying out attacks

The daughter of a Muslim pensioner who was murdered by a Ukrainian student said she pitied her father's killer.

Timeline: Mohammed Saleem murder and mosque attacks

After seeing Pavlo Lapshyn in court, Shazia Khan said: "We just looked at him and we felt pity. He looked pathetic. He looked frightened and stressed."

She added: "We are very pleased with the outcome of today's hearing. It's a relief not to have to sit through a long and tedious trial and listen to horrific details of this violent crime.

"Our dad was a lovely, kind man who left prayers for the last time that night. He did not do anything to deserve this horrific killing other than being a Muslim.

"He was targeted simply because of his faith. His beard and his clothing represented who he was. Pavlo chose to kill him that night with only that intention in mind."

"It's such a pity that he has lost his whole life for some personal hatred or opinion that he has of a particular faith. To kill someone because of what they look like and what they believe in is unforgivable," she added.

Pictures: CCTV images of Lapshyn preparing and carrying out attacks

Survivors of a nail bomb attack in Tipton have described the impact of the explosion.

It happened outside the Kanz-ul-Iman Muslim Welfare Association Central Jamia Mosque on 12 July, the first Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Pavlo Lapshyn has today admitted carrying out the attack.

The mosque's religious leader, Imam Ghulam Rasool, translated their accounts.