Arson at Manchester mosque investigated as hate crime

11 September 2021, 12:53

A hate crime investigation has been launched by police after an arson attack at a mosque in Manchester.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to a report of a fire just after midnight at Didsbury central mosque, located on the junction of Barlow Moor Road and Burton Road in Didsbury.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and extinguished the fire, which damaged a door.

No one was injured in the attack.

Greater Manchester Police have said that the incident is being treated as a hate crime, and detectives are already carrying out a number of lines of enquiry.

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Inspector Shoheb Chowdhury, from GMP's south Manchester district, said: "This is a dreadful incident which will no doubt have caused concern in the community and we are doing all we can to find who was responsible and continue to engage the mosque and those concerned in the community.

"Detectives have been carrying out enquiries and have already seized CCTV and items from the scene as part of the investigation.

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"Our officers will be in and around the area today and anyone concerned can speak to officers who will address any concerns.

"Hate crime will not be tolerated. We're fortunate in that Greater Manchester is a diverse place that our communities call home and those who wish to commit a crime motivated by hate will be brought to justice.

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

Anyone with information can go online or call 0161 856 4973. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.