A police investigation is under way after a man was set alight while walking home from a mosque in Birmingham.

West Midlands Police believe the victim, who was walking home on Dudley Road, was approached by another man on Brixham Road in Edgbaston, just after 7pm on Monday.

The pair briefly spoke before the attacker sprayed the man with an unknown substance – causing his jacket to be set alight and his face to be burned, the force said.

The man was subsequently taken to hospital with serious – but non-life threatening – injuries.

Police said they were are aware of footage circulating online on social media showing the man being set alight and are examining it as part of their investigations.

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Supt James Spencer said: “We’re examining CCTV and speaking to witnesses and are determined to find out who is responsible,” he said.

“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 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.”

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Extra officers will be in the area today to speak to the community, as well as to provide reassurance, the force said.

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