A British woman who was set on fire while wearing Islamic clothing in New York was not targeted in a hate attack, police have said.
American authorities confirmed they are no longer probing the case as a hate crime after linking the case to similar assaults on non-Muslims, Sky News reported.
Dressed in a hijab – a traditional Muslim garment which covers the hair and shoulders – the Scottish woman was attacked by a man with a lighter as she shopped on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue on Saturday evening.
The victim, a dentist from Glasgow, reportedly felt heat on her left side before realising her blouse was on fire.
As the 35-year-old was frantically patting the flames she saw a man, who was part of a group, walking off with a lighter in his hands, according to the New York City Police Department.
The woman, who has not been identified, was left with a charred hole on her ruined blouse but no injuries.
Officers told Reuters that at least three other women, who were not dressed in Muslim clothing, were threatened with fire by what is believed to be the same group on yesterday.
“The motivation for these crimes is not considered to be 'bias-related' at this time,” police said.
No arrests have been made.
