Greater Manchester Police investigating mosque fire as ‘hate crime’

    Photo Credit - Metro

    Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have confirmed that they are treating a fire at a mosque in Newton Heath as an act of arson.

    At around 11.40pm on Sunday 16 July, police officers on patrol discovered a fire at the NASFAT Islamic Centre building.

    Investigations so far have established that the offender approached the premises and forced open a window before placing an unknown accelerant inside.

    Detective Chief Inspector Paul Walker of GMP’s City of Manchester Borough said in a statement: “People are understandably shocked that someone has attacked a place of worship.

    “We are investigating this as a hate crime which has damaged a place of worship used by members of the Nigerian community.

    “Hate crime is often under reported for a number of reasons, but people should have the confidence in coming forward, as no one should be the subject of hate and intolerance.”

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