Lancashire police are investigating after a Blackburn café’s Muslim prayer room suffered serious damage when masked men attacked with what appeared to be fire bombs. The incident occurred at Café Raha in the early hours of Monday morning at around 2.30am, with CCTV footage showing the men attacking through the prayer room window near the entrance.
Police and firefighters were called to the scene, and an investigation has been launched. A police spokesperson said: 'Detectives are leading the investigation and are carrying out a number of lines of enquiry, including checking CCTV in the area. No suspects have been identified at this time. While the motivation for the attack has yet to be fully established there is no suggestion at this time that the incident is racially or religiously motivated.'
The spokesperson added: 'We are aware that incidents such as this can be quite distressing for the local residents in Blackburn and wider communities, but we would like to reassure you that this is an ongoing and active police investigation. We have increased reassurance patrols in the area; therefore, the public will see an increase in police presence.'
It is reportedly the second incident of its kind within the week, with police insisting that neither is suggested to be racially or religiously motivated. Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain extended his support to Café Raha, calling the attack 'shocking and distressing' and 'completely unacceptable'. He said: 'I was deeply concerned to hear of the recent arson attack on Café Raha in Blackburn, which caused damage to part of the premises, including a prayer room. My thoughts are with the owner, staff and all those affected.'
The Board of Deputies of British Jews released a statement in solidarity, writing: 'The news of an arson attack on a prayer room used by Muslim communities in Blackburn this week is deeply concerning. Whilst the motive of the perpetrators is not yet determined, our society must ensure all faith communities go without threats of violence or intimidation.'
