A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a Bolton imam's home was firebombed, police have confirmed. Officers were called to the home of Imam Hassan Patel on Eastgrove Avenue at around 9.20pm on Wednesday (June 10).
CCTV footage captured the moment a man in dark clothing ran onto the driveway of the property, appeared to light an object, smashed a window, and used what is believed to have been an accelerant. Fortunately, all occupants were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.
In an update issued this afternoon (Friday), Greater Manchester Police said a man in his 20s was in custody for questioning after being arrested on suspicion of arson. Enquiries remain ongoing.
Police response
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples of GMP said: "Our investigation is progressing, and we now have a suspect in custody who is being questioned by our officers. We will not accept incidents like this in our communities; we take this very seriously. Those found responsible will be brought to justice."
The attack was condemned by Yasmin Qureshi, Labour MP for Bolton South and Walkden, who said the incident had left many people frightened in Bolton's Muslim community. It came hours after a suspicious package was also found at the Zakariyya Jaam'e Masjid on Derby Street.
Political condemnation
"Let's not dance around what this is," said Ms Qureshi. "When an Imam's home and a mosque are targeted within hours of each other, our Muslim neighbours hear the message that's intended - and so do I. Islamophobia has no place in Bolton. None. Our Muslim community is part of the fabric of this town, and an attack on them is an attack on all of us."
Imam Patel, 42, lives with his wife, four young children, and his nephew at his home in the Sharples area of Bolton. He is a principal for Islamic Education at the Taiyabah Masjid mosque and Islamic Centre on Draycott Street, Bolton, and an Imam at Masjid e Aisha on Seymour Road, Astley Bridge. He was not at home at the time of the attack.
Victim's statement
Following the incident, Imam Patel said: "We as a family are devastated by the serious and callous arson attack that targeted our home. It was daylight at the time. This was clearly a dangerous and deliberate act that put our lives at risk. It has caused significant damage to our house and emotional distress to our family, including our children.
"The family as a whole and I as a professional individual have always maintained peace and harmony with all communities. I am an active citizen of Bolton and proactively engage with people of all faiths and no faith. The family is horrified as to why we were targeted. We are grateful that no one was seriously injured, and we wish to thank the emergency services for their swift response in bringing the incident under control.
"We understand an investigation is ongoing, and we are fully cooperating with the police. At this stage, we understand that the incident is not being treated as a hate crime. However, given the circumstances and the impact this attack has had on us, we believe it is essential that all possible motives are thoroughly examined and that no line of inquiry is ruled out prematurely, as it seems GMP has done at present.
"We feel this is a very serious issue and is not being dealt with in the same manner that other incidents of a similar nature have. We are no different and deserve the same respect. This attack has left our family feeling shocked and unsafe in our own home. No individual or family should have to experience such fear and uncertainty."
Anyone with information about the firebombing is urged to contact GMP on 101 or online, quoting log number 3561 of June 10, 2026. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
