UK imam's home firebombed, suspicious device found at mosque

In Bolton, northern England, a series of incidents have raised concerns after a suspicious device was found outside a mosque and an imam's home was firebombed. The package discovered outside the Zakariyya Jaam'e Masjid on Wednesday morning contained a battery pack.

Later the same day, Imam Hassan Patel's home was targeted in a firebomb arson attack. CCTV footage captured a man in a helmet and dark clothing lighting an object and throwing it through a window, igniting an accelerant. Patel, who lives with his wife and four children, stated the family was devastated by the dangerous and deliberate act that put their lives at risk. All seven residents escaped the attack unharmed.

Greater Manchester Police are investigating the incidents as targeted attacks and have appealed for information. Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples emphasized that no member of the community should feel threatened and assured the public there is no wider risk. Imam Patel noted that while the incident is not currently being treated as a hate crime, all motives should be thoroughly examined.

Local MP Yasmin Qureshi expressed that the attacks have caused anxiety within the Muslim community, stating that targeting a mosque and an imam's home sends a clear message and that Islamophobia has no place in Bolton. Green Party leader Zack Polanski criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for a lack of public condemnation.