Elderly man set on fire after being doused with ‘unknown substance’ in attack

An elderly man is being treated for serious injuries after he was doused with an unknown substance and set on fire.

Horrifying footage of the incident shows the man walking down the street when he is confronted by his alleged attacker on Brixham Road, Edgbaston.

He made several attempts to carry on walking but further down the road he was seen burning alive after being sprayed with an "unknown substance."

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The victim remains in hospital where he is being treated for serious, but not life-threatening, burns on his face.

West Midlands Police have launched an investigation into the attack on the bloke, who was reportedly walking home from a mosque on March 20, at around 7pm, when the attack occurred.

The force said the victim had been walking along a road when he was approached by a man who he chatted with briefly, before being sprayed with an unknown substance and his jacket set alight, Mirror reports.

The video of the attack has since been circulating on social media, and the force confirmed it was using it as part of its probe.

Supt James Spencer, from Birmingham Police, said: “Our officers have been working through the night to establish what happened and who is responsible.

“We’re examining CCTV and speaking to witnesses and are determined to find out who is responsible.

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"I’ve been speaking to people in this morning, and so I know just how concerned they are and that people are after answers.

“We are determined to find the person responsible and 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.”

The force added that it would be stepping up patrols in the area following fears from residents.

Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch with West Midlands Police via their website's Live Chat, or to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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