Arson attack at mosque being treated as a hate crime by police

n arson attack at a mosque is being investigated by Greater Manchester police as a hate crime.

Didsbury Central Mosque released CCTV of a hooded man approaching its entrance and appearing to leave flaming canisters by the front door.

Neighbours alerted to the blaze tried to put the flames out with their coats late on Friday night.

Mosque leaders said that they had received arson threats for 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.”

Greater Manchester Fire Service said they were at the scene for more than two hours and were conducting an investigation with police.

“We believe that there were several vehicles that may have driven past at the time, and we would ask anyone who may have any dashcam footage to get in touch.”

Deputy leader of the council, Luthfur Rahman, said: “This is a despicable act designed to create fear and hatred. It is only by luck that no serious damage was caused.

“Manchester has consistently shown that we are a city which stands together and will not allow extremists to divide us.

“I commend the neighbours who raised the alarm – they, not the cowards responsible for this arson, are the true spirit of this city.

“I’d urge anyone who has information which can help the police catch the perpetrators to come forwards.”