Bolton teachers condemn firebomb attack on imam’s home

The attack happened on Eastgrove Avenue in Sharples at around 9.15pm on June 10 when a masked person smashed a window and threw a lit firebomb into the property.

The incident caused significant damage to the home and left the family shaken, although no serious injuries were reported.

Robert Poole, assistant district secretary for Bolton National Education Union (NEU), said: “This cowardice does not represent the people of Bolton.

“Our strength lies in our unity, and we will not allow acts of terror to divide us or intimidate our communities.

“We send our deepest support to the Imam, his family, and the wider Muslim community at this incredibly difficult time.”

(Image: Public)

The union said it was shocked by the attack and described it as a senseless act of violence.

And it added its members, local teachers, work “everyday to foster inclusion, mutual respect, and safety for all children and families in Bolton, regardless of faith or background.

The union says that hatred and division has not place in the classroom or on ‘our streets’.

In a statement, the organisation said an attack on a faith leader and family home was an attack on the fabric of the town’s diverse communities.

The comments come after Hassan Patel said his family had been left devastated by the attack and were struggling to understand why they had been targeted.

Mr Patel said the family wanted police to explore all possible motives and not rule out any lines of inquiry prematurely.

Greater Manchester Police previously said it believed the incident was a targeted attack and that there was no wider risk to the public.

The Bolton NEU said hatred and division had no place in schools or on the streets and pledged to continue working with community leaders, faith groups and residents to ‘ensue Bolton remaines a safe, welcoming , and united place for everyone’.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 quoting log 3561 of June 10, 2026, via LiveChat at gmp.police.uk, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.