An imam whose family home was targeted in a firebomb arson attack has issued a statement, saying they are 'horrified' and 'devastated'. The daylight attack on Wednesday evening, said Imam Hassan Patel, was 'clearly a dangerous and deliberate act that put our lives at risk'.
He said the family believe the attack is not currently being treated by police as a hate crime. In the statement, Imam Patel called for 'all possible motives' to be 'thoroughly examined' and for 'no line of inquiry' to be ruled out 'prematurely'.
Community support
Bolton Council of Mosques also issued a statement, saying the attack 'deserves a full and thorough investigation and should not be de-scaled as an isolated incident'.
As reported, horrifying CCTV footage captured the moment the family home on Eastgrove Avenue in the Sharples area of Bolton was targeted at around 9.20pm on Wednesday. The video footage shows a male, who was wearing a helmet and dark clothing, running onto the driveway of the home before the fire starts.
He appears to light an object then smash a window before using what is believed to be an accelerant.
Victim's account
Imam Patel is 42 and lives at the property with his wife, four young children and his nephew. He wasn't in at the time. He's 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.
Police patrols are now being stepped up. No one was hurt in the blaze. The family told how they saw two males on a bike before the attack - and of using buckets of water and a hosepipe to put out the flames.
In the statement released on Thursday, 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.'
Mr Patel appealed to anyone with information to contact police. 'Our focus remains on supporting one another, rebuilding and ensuring that those responsible are identified and brought to justice,' he said.
Police response
Bolton Council of Mosques, meanwhile, also issued a statement, saying it was in communication with police and the council over what it called a 'very serious matter'. The council said the attack 'deserves a full and thorough investigation and should not be de-scaled as an isolated incident'.
A statement posted online said: 'The family is deeply concerned and understandably worried about their safety. At this stage, Bolton Council of Mosques is supporting the family in these difficult times. We would encourage everyone to be vigilant and immediately report anything suspicious to GMP. Please remain united.'
Greater Manchester Police said it was investigating and appealed for witnesses. Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples said: '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.'
'Our enquiries to identify those responsible are ongoing, and we urge anyone with information that may assist our investigation to please come forward. Anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage, is asked to call 101 quoting log 3561 of 10/06/2026 or contact us via the LiveChat function at gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.'
