An 82-year-old man has suffered severe burns after being set on fire outside a mosque.

The pensioner was seen having a conversation with a male as they both left the West London Islamic Centre in Ealing, west London, around 8pm on 27 January.

They spoke for around five minutes before the man doused the victim in liquid, believed to be petrol, and set him alight using a lighter.

He then walked away from the scene, in Singapore Road, police said.

The victim, who has not been identified, was rushed to hospital and received treatment for severe burns to his face and arms, police said.

The force has launched an investigation and released pictures of a man detectives want to speak to after the “incredibly shocking” incident.

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Detective Sergeant Stephen Constable said: “Understandably, there is a great deal of local concern in the wake of this incident and local officers have been carrying out reassurance patrols daily at the mosque.

“We are continuing to work alongside the West London Islamic Centre who have been very supportive of our investigation and have been assisting us with our enquiries.

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“A key part of that is identifying the man in the image we have released.”

Anyone who recognises the man pictured, witnessed the incident or has information that can help the investigation is urged to get in touch with police.

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