Nadine Osman

Two 16-year-olds were arrested on March 31 following an assault on a Muslim pensioner in Kings Heath, Birmingham, which left him with broken hands and facial injuries. Police confirmed that there is nothing to suggest a connection to the attack on a man who was walking home from a mosque in Edgbaston the previous week.

West Midlands Police would not confirm to The Muslim News whether the assault on the 73-year-old man is being investigated as a hate crime. “This remains a current investigation to which we have dedicated resources, and we’re asking people not to speculate on the case,” said a spokesman.

The public has also been asked not to share the disturbing CCTV footage, which shows the elderly victim being attacked by the two as he returns home from the mosque after evening prayers on March 29.

In the footage, the victim can be seen walking on York Road, when the youths run up behind him. One of the teens can be seen kicking the victim forcibly in the back, causing him to fall and smash his head on a display board outside a bar.

The assailants ran off while the victim lay bleeding on the pavement. The teens were arrested at separate addresses in Birmingham overnight on suspicion of assault and remain in custody.

The victim has since been discharged from the hospital to continue his recovery.

“We would ask for the public to be calm and that they help the police with their investigation. We would also ask that people have respect for our privacy while we help our father recover,” said the victim’s family in a statement released by West Midlands Police.

Inspector Neil Kirkpatrick, of Moseley and Kings Heath Police, said the attack “remains a very active investigation.”

Police confirmed that they have increased patrols and visibility, as well as worked with Muslim leaders and mosque street stewards to “provide reassurance,” as the attack was especially concerning for “those observing the holy month of Ramadan.”

Birmingham City Council leader Ian Ward said: “This was an attack on an elderly gentleman walking home from his local mosque, and our thoughts are with the victim and his family at this time. Ward councillors and the Community Safety team are speaking to the family and West Midlands Police and will continue to offer support.

Council officers and local councillors have also been engaging with community groups and local mosques to offer support to the wider community..”