West Midlands Police have said they are working on a potential connection between an incident in which a man was set on fire in Birmingham with a similar incident in Ealing. 

On Tuesday 21st March, West Midlands Police arrested a man after an incident in which a man was set on fire on Shenstone Road in Edgbaston, Birmingham outside of Dudley Road mosque. 

West Midlands Police announced the arrest and also said that they have been working with the Metropolitan Police to see if there was a link between this and a very similar incident which happened in Ealing on Monday 27th February. 

A statement on the West Midlands Police website said: "We would ask the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to us. 

"We are aware of a similar incident in the Ealing area of London and we are working with the Metropolitan Police Service to see whether they are linked." 

The Metropolitan Police released photos on Tuesday 21st March of someone they would like to speak to in connection with the incident in Ealing. 

Chief Supt Richard North, Commander at Birmingham police, said: "Our officers have been working through the night to establish what happened and who is responsible.  

"We are taking this matter extremely seriously and are using all resources available to us. We are keeping an open mind to the motive of the attacker and we won't speculate further at this stage. 

advertisement

"We're examining CCTV and speaking to witnesses. I've been speaking to people this morning, and so I know just how concerned they are and that people are after answers. 

"We are determined to get those answers as soon as possible, and I'd urge the community to work with us and to avoid any speculation at this stage."