Ealing Mosque Attack Man Pleads not Guilty |
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Accused of setting fire to worshipper outside West London Islamic Centre
July 10, 2023 A 28-year-old man accused of setting fire to an elderly worshipper outside a mosque in West Ealing has pleaded not guilty to two charges of attempted murder. Mohammed Abbkr, who is originally from Sudan, allegedly approached 82-year-old Hashi Odowa on Singapore Road as he left the West London Islamic Centre and engaged him in conversation on 27 February earlier this year. A flammable liquid was then thrown on Mr Odowa and he was set alight leaving him with severe burns to his hands and face. Police afterwards issued images of a man praying in the Mosque that they wished to speak to. On 20 March, a similar attack occurred in Birmingham when 70-year-old Mohammed Rayaz was seriously injured and required a skin graft after he was sprayed with liquid and set alight. After this second attack, Mohammed Abbkr of Gillott Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham was arrested. He entered a not guilty plea during a court appearance by video link in Birmingham on Friday 7 July in which he was assisted by an Arabic interpreter. He was remanded in custody pending his trial which is due to begin on 9 October.
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