Halal butchers firebombed with Molotov cocktail in Walsall

Detectives said they were 'keeping an open mind' about the motive behind the attack

Kashmir Meat & Poultry in Wednesbury Road, Walsall, West Midlands, was left badly damaged after the man threw a lit bottle of "accelerant" at a staff member around 5.25pm on Monday (Google Maps)

Police are investigating after a man threw a molotov cocktail at a halal butchers.

Kashmir Meat & Poultry in Wednesbury Road, Walsall, West Midlands, was left badly damaged after the man threw a lit bottle of "accelerant" at a staff member around 5.25pm on Monday.

The victim was bruised after the bottle hit him and then ignited.

Detectives said they were "keeping an open mind" about the motive behind the firebombing.

They are tracing a man, described as white, 6ft tall and wearing a blue jacket. CCTV footage is being studied as part of the investigation.

Detective Inspector Greg Evans said: "The inquiry is at an early stage and I am keeping an open mind as to the motive.

"The man was not seriously injured, but it could have been much more serious."

The leader of Walsall Council expressed concern at a "notable increase in tension" in the borough over the last few days.

Councillor Sean Coughlan said: "Walsall has a long and proud history of harmony between communities and this has served us well and will continue to do so.

"I call upon all political and religious community leaders and the residents of Walsall to use their influence to maintain our high values of understanding, unity and harmony that we all hold dear."

The National Police Chiefs' Council reported a 57 per cent rise in hate crime complaints in the four days following the EU referendum vote, compared to the same period in May.

Anyone who saw what happened is urged to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111