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Two boys arrested in Birmingham mosque attack probe Two boys arrested in Birmingham mosque attack probe
(about 5 hours later)
The man was attacked as he walked along York Road on Wednesday nightThe man was attacked as he walked along York Road on Wednesday night
Two boys have been arrested in connection with an attack on a pensioner as he walked home from evening prayers at a mosque in Birmingham.Two boys have been arrested in connection with an attack on a pensioner as he walked home from evening prayers at a mosque in Birmingham.
The 73-year-old was kicked in the back on York Road, Kings Heath, at about 23:00 BST on Wednesday.The 73-year-old was kicked in the back on York Road, Kings Heath, at about 23:00 BST on Wednesday.
West Midlands Police said he had fallen during the attack, hitting his head on a display board and breaking a hand.West Midlands Police said he had fallen during the attack, hitting his head on a display board and breaking a hand.
The suspects, aged 16, were held on suspicion of assault.The suspects, aged 16, were held on suspicion of assault.
The force has said there is no evidence to suggest the assault is linked to recent incidents near mosques in Edgbaston, Birmingham, plus Ealing, west London. The force has said there is no evidence to suggest the assault is linked to recent incidents near mosques in the Edgbaston area of Birmingham and Ealing in west London.
The injured man, who also sustained cuts to his face, was taken to hospital for treatment, police said. The victim's family has asked for the "public to be calm" and help with the police investigation.
"We would also ask that people have respect for our privacy while we help our father to recover," the family said in a statement.
The injured man, who also sustained cuts to his face, was taken to hospital for treatment, but has since been discharged to continue his recovery, police said.
Extra officers remained at the scene of the attack in and around York RoadExtra officers remained at the scene of the attack in and around York Road
Insp Neil Kirkpatrick said: "We've all been appalled by this attack and we've had teams working around the clock to identify suspects.
"We understand the concern this has caused within the community, especially those observing the holy month of Ramadan."
He explained officers were speaking to faith leaders and working with street stewards from local mosques to reassure the community.
"We'll continue to have increased patrols and a visible presence to provide reassurance," he added.
The force urged the public not to share "distressing" videos of the incidents on social media.
"This could not only affect the victim and his family but it could also damage the investigation and we need to make sure that we secure justice for the victim, who we continue to support," police said.
Local business owner Junaid Hussain described how he had gone to help the victim shortly after events.Local business owner Junaid Hussain described how he had gone to help the victim shortly after events.
"You hear about these attacks, but the fact it is happening on your own doorstep is scary," he said."You hear about these attacks, but the fact it is happening on your own doorstep is scary," he said.
"Considering we're in the month of Ramadan, so you'll get people walking back from the mosque quite late for the last prayer of the night, you'd think twice about letting them go alone.""Considering we're in the month of Ramadan, so you'll get people walking back from the mosque quite late for the last prayer of the night, you'd think twice about letting them go alone."
Volunteers are working with King's Heath Mosque, in nearby Station Road, to walk unaccompanied worshippers home.Volunteers are working with King's Heath Mosque, in nearby Station Road, to walk unaccompanied worshippers home.
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