A masked individual targeted the home of Hassan Patel, a Bolton imam, in a suspected arson attack on Wednesday night. The assailant used propellant to ignite the interior of the house in the Sharples area, though the family managed to extinguish the flames before emergency services arrived.

The propellant and smashed windows in Sharples

The attack occurred at approximately 9:20 pm on Wednesday in the Sharples suburb of Bolton. According to the report, CCTV footage captured a man wearing a black helmet and a tracksuit initiating the attack by lighting a fire on the driveway. the assailant then smashed a front window and used a can of propellant to spray flames directly into the living quarters.

The immediate danger was mitigated not by the fire service, but by the residents themselves. Umair Yusuf, the son of the homeowner, reported that his mother, siblings, and cousin utilized buckets of water and a hosepipe to stop the blaze from consuming the building . While the fire caused damage to both the interior and exterior of the Bolton proprty, no injuries were reported among the family members present.

Hassan Patel's role at Taiyabah Masjid

The target of the attack, Hassan Patel, is a prominent religious figure serving as the principal for Islamic Education at the Taiyabah Masjid mosque and Islamic Centre in Bolton. at the time of the incident, Mr. Patel was not at home, but his wife, four young children, and nephew were inside the residence during the breach.

Mr. Patel expressed profound shock at the event, describing the area as a quiet community where the family had previously experienced no issues. The attack has left the household and the wider local community feeling shaken,though Mr. Patel noted that the outpouring of solidarity from neighbors has been a significant source of support for his family.

The racial motivation suspected by the Patel family

The Patel family believes the attack was not random but was specifically targeted based on race and religion. This suspicion is rooted in the calculated nature of the crime; Umair Yusuf noted that the attacker appeared to know exactly what he was doing, acting calmly as he set the fire . This incident echoes a broader, worrying trend of targeted intimidation agaiinst religious leaders and minority communities in the UK, where the home is often viewed as the final sanctuary.

By targeting a known figure like the principal of the Taiyabah Masjid, the perpetrator may have intended to send a message of intimidation beyond the immediate family. Such acts often aim to create a climate of fear within specific ethnic or religious enclaves, transforming a private residence into a symbol of communal vulnerability .

The motorbike duo and the search for witnesses

A critical detail provided by neighbors, as reported in the source, is the presence of two individuals dressed in black on a motorbike. One person reportedly remained on the vehicle while the other carried out the arson attack. This suggests a coordinated effort rather than a lone-wolf act, raising questions about the identity and motives of the second accomplice who acted as a lookout.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples of the Greater Manchester Police has stated that the attack was targeted and that patrols in the area are being increased. however, several questions remain: it is currently unknown if the perpetrators have any direct link to the Patel family or if they were acting on behalf of a larger group. Greater Manchester Police continue to appeal for witnesses to help identify the individuals on the motorbike and determine the exact motive behind the strike.