Birmingham Man Charged Over Horrific Mosque Arson Attacks
Man Faces Attempted Murder Charges
Mohammed Abbkr, 28, from Edgbaston, Birmingham, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder. He is accused of spraying a substance on victims before setting them ablaze. Born in Sudan, Abbkr appeared in court and was remanded in custody until his next hearing on April 20.
Two Victims Targeted in Shocking Attacks
The first victim, 82-year-old Hashi Odowa, was set on fire outside a mosque in Ealing, West London, on February 27. He suffered severe burns to his face and arms and was rushed to hospital. Mosque members condemned the attack as “abhorrent and malicious.”
The second victim, Mohammed Rayaz, 70, was attacked near his home in Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Monday. After being sprayed with a substance, his jacket was set alight. He is currently in hospital in serious but stable condition following a skin graft.
Nation Condemns Attacks Amid Ramadan
The Muslim community and people across the UK have voiced outrage and sympathy for the victims. A West London Islamic Centre spokesperson said, “As we begin the blessed month of Ramadan, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.”
Police Appeal for Help
Detectives from West Midlands Police and the Metropolitan Police are investigating. They have called on the public to come forward with any CCTV or video footage that might assist the probe.
