Man in His Seventies Sprayed and Set on Fire Outside Dudley Road Mosque
Horrific attack in Birmingham! Mohammed Rayaz, a man in his seventies, was doused with an unknown substance and his jacket set ablaze just after leaving Dudley Road Mosque on Shenstone Road. The shocking assault happened Monday evening around 7pm. He suffered life-changing injuries and remains in hospital in serious but stable condition.
Police Act Fast, Arrest Made in Attempted Murder Probe
Officers quickly arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder. The investigation is ongoing, with counter-terror police also involved. MP Shabana Mahmood praised the local community for their role in identifying the suspect early. She said, “If it were not for the community, the arrest would not have been made so early.”
Community on Edge Ahead of Ramadan
With Ramadan starting soon, the attack has sparked fear among local Muslim communities. On Wednesday, MP Mahmood organised a community walkabout to offer reassurance. Local solicitor Shahbon Hussain, a StreetWatch member, called for preventative measures inside mosques and closer cooperation between police and Birmingham City Council to stop incidents like this from happening.
Resident Mohammed Abbasim said: “I was shocked to find someone I knew had been targeted.”
Police Appeal for Footage and Information
Police are urging anyone with CCTV, Ring doorbell, or video footage from the area at the time to come forward. You can submit footage directly via this link.
If you have any information, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
