Arson attack on Greater Manchester mosque investigated as hate crime

Police have launched an investigation following an arson attack at a mosque in Greater Manchester.

The incident, which took place in the early hours of Saturday (11 September) morning, is being treated as a hate crime.

At a glance: 5 key points

• Greater Manchester Police has launched an investigation following an arson attack at Didsbury Central Mosque. 
• The incident took place just after midnight on Saturday (11 September) morning following reports of a fire at the mosque. Members of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire, which caused minor damage to a door.
• No one was hurt in the incident, 
• GMP said the incident is being treated as a hate crime and has urged anyone with information to come forward. 
• Mosque leaders said they were “so grateful” to neighbours who tried to put the blaze out with their coats. 

What’s been said?

Mosque leaders said they had received threats to burn the mosque for “a couple of years, but now the attempt has come”.

"If it was not for the actions of two of our amazing neighbours on Burton Road, who saw the flames and put them out with their coats, we hate to think what could have happened," they said.

"We cannot thank them enough."

Inspector Shoheb Chowdhury, from GMP’s south Manchester district, said: “This is a dreadful incident which will no doubt have caused concern in the community and we are doing all we can to find who was responsible and continue to engage the mosque and those concerned in the community.

“Detectives have been carrying out inquiries and have already seized CCTV and items from the scene as part of the investigation.

“Our officers will be in and around the area today and anyone concerned can speak to officers who will address any concerns.

“Hate crime will not be tolerated.

“We’re fortunate in that Greater Manchester is a diverse place that our communities call home and those who wish to commit a crime motivated by hate will be brought to justice.”