An arrest has been made after a man was set alight while walking home from a mosque.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the incident, with counter-terrorism police involved in the investigation.
West Midlands Police said the victim suffered burns to his face after he was sprayed with an unknown substance on Shenstone Road in Edgbaston, Birmingham, just after 7pm on Monday.
The man, who was walking home from Dudley Road mosque, was taken to hospital with serious injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening.
Chief Superintendent Richard North 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.
“We’re examining CCTV and speaking to witnesses. I’ve been speaking to people this morning, and so I know just how concerned they are and that people are after answers.
“We are determined to get those answers as soon as possible, and I’d urge the community to work with us and to avoid any speculation at this stage.”
Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch with West Midlands Police via Live Chat on the force website or to contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Police are also looking into whether a similar attack in west London, where an 82-year-old man was set on fire outside a mosque, is linked.
The Metropolitan Police previously said the victim was set alight as he left the West London Islamic Centre on Singapore Road in Ealing at around 8pm on February 27.
A West Midlands Police said: “We are aware of a similar incident in the Ealing area of London and we are working with the Metropolitan Police Service to see whether they are linked.”
The force said counter-terrorism officers were supporting the investigation into the Edgbaston incident.
Chief Superintendent 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.
“We have officers patrolling the local area to reassure people and we are visiting local faith establishments to keep them informed.”
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