Man seriously hurt after being set on fire while sleeping in underpass

The attack happened in an underpass where Hockley Hill crosses Boulton Middleway in Birmingham

A man has been set on fire in a "shocking attack" in an underpass.

The man in his 30s suffered potentially life-changing injuries to his face and hands and remains in a stable condition in hospital.

He had been sleeping in an underpass in Birmingham when bedding was set alight and then piled on top of him, police said.

The attack occurred last Tuesday morning near where Hockley Hill crosses over Boulton Middleway.

Calling the incident a "shocking attack", a spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "We want to talk to anyone in the area at the time, especially a man who was riding on an electric scooter.

Police said a man riding a scooter could be an important witness

"We know this image isn't very clear, and we are working to find further CCTV opportunities, but we hope that this image may prompt someone to come forward with information."

The man is described as white, 5ft 5in, and wearing a white vest, white hoody, black gloves, grey jogging bottoms, black shoes and wearing chains.

Anyone with information is asked to get in touch with West Midlands Police.