Man Found Guilty of Attempted Murder After Torrid Petrol Attacks on Elderly Worshippers
Petrol and Flames: Shocking Attacks on Mosque-goers
A 29-year-old man has been convicted of attempted murder after he doused two elderly mosque worshippers in petrol and set them ablaze in separate attacks in London and Birmingham.
Mohammed Abbkr targeted men in their 70s and 80s leaving mosques. On 27 February and 20 March, he poured petrol from a Volvic bottle over the victims before igniting them with a lighter.
Victims Left with Serious Burns
In London, Abbkr approached 82-year-old Hashi Odowa as he left prayers at the West London Islamic Centre in Ealing. He ominously said, “I swear in the name of Allah, you will know me,” before setting him on fire. Hashi suffered burns to his face and left hand.
Weeks later in Birmingham, Abbkr struck again. Mohammed Rayaz, 70, was attacked outside the Dudley Road mosque. After Abbkr asked if he spoke Arabic, he poured fuel over Mr Rayaz and set him ablaze. The victim escaped to his son’s nearby home but sustained serious burns to his face and neck requiring skin grafts. He now suffers from depression, PTSD, and risks permanent scarring.
Police Hunt and Capture
Investigations quickly led to Abbkr. Police matched CCTV footage to the suspect and arrested him. Officers found petrol in a bottle and a lighter in his backpack during a home search.
At Birmingham Crown Court, Abbkr denied the charges claiming insanity but was found guilty of two counts of attempted murder.
Families Left Reeling
The victims’ families voiced their shock and fear. Mohammed Ayaz, eldest son of Mr Rayaz, described the terrifying state of his father and revealed worries for his elderly mother’s safety.
“The attacks were planned and deliberate. We fear for our family’s wellbeing every day,” he said.
Ch Insp Haroon Chughtai praised the victims’ bravery, calling the attacks “horrific” but confirmed such incidents are extremely rare. Despite involvement from counter-terrorism officers, police found no evidence the attacks were ideologically motivated and ruled out terrorism.
