A Bolton MP has stated that Muslim families feel anxious walking their own streets after a suspicious device was discovered at a mosque, hours before an imam's home was firebombed. Officers responded to the Zakariyya Jaam'e Masjid on Derby Street on Wednesday morning, June 10. The Manchester Evening News understands that a suspicious package containing a battery pack was found at the place of worship.
At approximately 9:20 PM on Wednesday night, the Eastgrove Avenue home of Imam Hassan Patel was subjected to a firebomb arson attack. Terrifying CCTV footage captured a male, wearing a helmet and dark clothing, running onto the driveway, appearing to light an object, smashing a window, and using what is believed to be an accelerant.
Political Reactions
Bolton South and Walkden MP Yasmin Qureshi stated that the two incidents have left many people frightened, occurring at places where anyone should feel safe. Green Party leader Zack Polanski criticized Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for failing to condemn the attack on Imam Patel's home. Polanski wrote on X: "It's pretty disgraceful that there has been absolutely no mention of this from the Prime Minister. It's increasingly clear that some attacks, correctly, warrant disgust, emergency measures, and days of media coverage. Others seem to be met with silence."
Ms. Qureshi added: "Thankfully, no one was hurt. But I know the fear doesn't end there. I know there are families this week who feel anxious walking their own streets and taking their children to mosque. To them I want to say clearly: you are not alone, and this whole town stands with you. Let's not dance around what this is. 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."
Victim's Statement
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 and an Imam at Masjid e Aisha on Seymour Road, Astley Bridge. He was not at home during the attack.
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."
He added: "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."
Police Investigation
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples of Greater Manchester Police said on Thursday: "Incidents like this are not acceptable in our community and no one should be made to feel threatened or intimidated. Thankfully, no one was injured, however, the consequences of this suspected arson attack could have been very different. We understand this incident may cause concern within the community; we are working to find those responsible and bring them to justice. We believe this was a targeted attack, and there is no risk to the wider public. Officers will be providing reassurance with visits in the community throughout the day."
Anyone with information about the firebombing is urged to contact GMP on 101 or online, quoting log number 3561 of June 10, 2026. For the suspicious package incident, use log number 920 of June 10, 2026. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
