A man accused of setting alight two senior citizens as they left mosques at West London Islamic Centre in West Ealing and Dudley Road Mosque, Birmingham has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder.
Mohammed Abbkr, 28, from Edgbaston in Birmingham is accused of injuring both men.
Mr Abbkr, originally from Sudan, is alleged to have sprayed a substance on two men and set it alight in separate incidents in West Ealing on 27 February 2023 and Handsworth on 20 March 2023.
He appeared at Birmingham Crown Court via videolink from HMP Belmarsh in South East London on 7 July 2023 and is expected to face trial in October 2023.
Police arrested Mr Abbkr on 21 March 2023 in Birmingham and he was linked to an incident in West Ealing where 82-year-old Hashi Odowa was set alight in Singapore Road on 27 February 2023 after he was leaving West London Islamic Centre.
Police have said that following joint enquiries, the incident in Birmingham and the incident in West Ealing were linked.
On 22 March 2023 following the arrest of Mr Abbkr, West London Islamic Centre in a statement said: “WLIC is relieved that a suspect has been arrested for the abhorrent and malicious attacks on two elders within our community, in London and Birmingham. We would like to thank both the MET and West Midlands Police for their support and efforts in apprehending this individual. As we commence the blessed month of Ramadan, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
“Our community at the UKIM West London Islamic Centre was shocked by the appalling and senseless attack on one of regular elderly worshippers Mr Hashi. A respected member of our congregation, Mr Hashi was accosted by a stranger on Singapore Road as he left the evening prayer at approximately 8pm on Monday 27th February. Following a short exchange, the perpetrator doused him with a flammable liquid, set him alight and ran away.
“Very fortunately, Mr Hashi’s friend who was waiting nearby in his car, reacted quickly by putting out the flames and calling the emergency services. Mr Hashi was taken to hospital and treated for severe burns to his face and arms. He was released the following day.”
