UK counter-terror police involved in probe into attack on man while leaving a mosque

Counter-terrorism officers are involved in an investigation into the attempted murder of a man who was set alight yesterday after leaving a mosque, UK police say.

One man has been arrested after last night’s attack in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham, central England.

West Midlands Police chief superintendent Richard North says counter-terrorism police are supporting the investigation.

They have “access to specialist capabilities to help establish the full circumstances,” he adds.

It comes after an 82-year-old man was set on fire outside a mosque in the Ealing area of west London on the evening of February 27.

The Birmingham force says it is aware of the previous attack.

“We are working with the Metropolitan Police Service to see whether they are linked,” a spokesman says.

In the latest attack, it is thought the victim, who was walking home from a nearby mosque, was sprayed with an unknown substance and then had his jacket set on fire.

He suffered burns to his face and was taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.