A man has been found guilty of attempted murder after setting fire to two elderly worshipers as they walked home from mosques in London and Birmingham. Mohammed Abbkr, 29, poured petrol on his victims, who were in their 70s and 80s, before setting them ablaze with a lighter. The incidents took place on 27 February and 20 March of this year.
The first attack occurred in London when Abbkr approached Hashi Odowa, aged 82, who was leaving prayers at the West London Islamic Centre in Ealing. Holding a Volvic water bottle believed to contain petrol, Abbkr asked the victim if he remembered him. When the victim replied no, Abbkr stated, “I swear in the name of Allah, in the name of God, you will know me.” He then poured petrol over the victim and set him on fire before fleeing the scene. The victim was taken to the hospital with burns to his face and left hand.
