Sharples family plea after devastating firebomb attack

Hassan Patel issued a statement after a masked person smashed a window and threw a lit firebomb into the family’s home on Eastgrove Avenue, Sharples, at around 9.15pm yesterday.

The attack caused significant damage to the property and left the family shaken.

Mr Patel said the incident had left his family feeling unsafe in their own home and searching for answers.

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He said: “The family is horrified as to why we were targeted.”

“We, as a family, are devastated by the serious and callous arson attack that targeted our home on June 10 at 9.15pm.

“It was still daylight at that time. This was clearly a dangerous and deliberate act that put lives at risk.

“It has caused significant damage to our house and emotional distress to our family including our children.”

Emergency services attended the scene and no serious injuries were reported.

The family said they were grateful nobody was hurt and thanked emergency services for their response.

Mr Patel said his family had always sought to live peacefully within the community and were horrified by the attack.

He added: “The family as a whole and I as a professional individual have always maintained peace and harmony with all communities.

“I am an active citizen of Bolton and proactively engage with people of all faiths and no faith.”

While police have confirmed an investigation is ongoing, Mr Patel said the family wanted all possible motives to be fully explored.

The statement says the family understands the incident is not currently being treated as a hate crime, but believes no line of inquiry should be ruled out.

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Mr Patel added: “We understand an investigation is ongoing, and we are fully cooperating with the Police.

“At this stage, we understand that the incident is not being treated as a hate crime.

“However, given the circumstances and the impact this attack has had on us, we believe it is essential that all possible motives are thoroughly examined and that no line of inquiry is ruled out prematurely.”

The family has appealed for anyone with information to contact police.

Mr Patel said: “Our focus remains on supporting one another, rebuilding, and ensuring that those responsible are identified and brought to justice.”

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Greater Manchester Police has been approached for further comment.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples has said: “Incidents like this are not acceptable in our community and no one should be made to feel threatened or intimidated. Thankfully, no one was injured, however, the consequences of this suspected arson attack could have been very different.

“We understand this incident may cause concern within the community; we are working to find those responsible and bring them to justice. We believe this was a targeted attack, and there is no risk to the wider public.”

Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to call 101 quoting log 3561 of June 10, 2026, contact police via LiveChat at gmp.police.uk, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.