POLICE are patrolling near Worcester mosques after a man was set alight while walking home after worship in Birmingham.

The patrols come after Mohammed Rayaz, 70, was set on fire when he was walking back from Dudley Road Mosque in Edgbaston at about 7pm on Monday (March 20). 

Members from the Worcestershire Muslim community have asked for extra police patrols during nighttime prayers at the Central Mosque in Tallow Hill as worshippers will be making their way to the mosque during the holy month of Ramadan. 

Worcester News: Mohammed Rayaz, 70, was set on fire when he was walking back from Dudley Road Mosque in Edgbaston Mohammed Rayaz, 70, was set on fire when he was walking back from Dudley Road Mosque in Edgbaston (Image: PA)

Alongside the extra patrols in Tallow Hill, officers will also be patrolling near Al-Madina Jami Masjid on Tolladine Road over the next few days. 

Mohammed Iqbal, general secretary of Worcester Muslim Welfare Association, said the attack has left the community shocked especially because it is near the beginning of Ramadan.

Mr Iqbal said: "Our first Ramadan night prayer was last night, our mosque was full.

"This incident didn't stop worshippers coming to the mosque.

"We are a resilient community, hate will not deter us from our spiritual duties and living our daily lives in peace."

Today (Thursday) marks the first day of the month-long celebrations of Ramadan. 

Members of the Muslim community are also urging worshipers to be extra vigilant when walking to the mosque. 

Mr Iqbal added: "Worcester Muslim Welfare association has been actively engaging with the community making awareness of hate crime threats during congregations.

"We are urging the community to be extra vigilant when walking to the mosque.

"We are encouraging people to walk in groups when attending the local mosque and look out for any suspicious behaviour. 

"In times like these, it is crucial for communities to come together and show solidarity and support for each other tackling hate crime."

  • A 28-year-old man has appeared in court charged with attempting to murder two elderly men who were set alight in the street after they left mosques in Birmingham and London.

Mohammed Abbkr, of Gillott Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, appeared at the city’s magistrates’ court on Thursday where he spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

West Midlands Police said he is alleged to have sprayed a substance on two men and set it alight in separate incidents in Ealing, west London, on February 27 and in Birmingham on Monday.