Arsonists targetted a Manchester mosque last night just hours after attack at Manchester Arena.
It is thought that it could be a 'retaliation' following the bombing.
The door at Jamia Qasmia Zahidia Islamic Centre on Villa Road, Oldham, was set on fire at around 2am. Luckily, a member of the public saw and called the fire brigade. No one was inside the building at the time.
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Mohammad Saddiq, imam at the mosque, told the Mail: "Last night, at around 2am, somebody has started a fire through our letterbox. The door is completely burnt down.
"Very soon after, a member of the public was walking past and called the fire brigade. Thankfully nobody was inside at the time.
"We have no idea why somebody would target us. We are a religious and educational centre. I've been involved her for three years and never dealt with anything like this.
"People are upset. The police are looking at CCTV and investigators were here this morning. We'll definitely need a new door."
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Credit: Mercury Press
He continued: "There's a possibility that it's a retaliation to what happened in Manchester last night but we can't confirm that.
"It's sad to see more misery in Manchester. What happened last night was terrible but this is not the way to respond."
The bombing shocked the whole of the country, as 22 people were killed at Manchester Arena on Monday Night with over 50 injured.
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Police chief Ian Hopkins has said that a lone attacker died when detonating an improvised explosive device in the attack.
Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the bomb blast at the concert, saying the attacker was a 'soldier of the caliphate'.
According to the Independent, the most recent version of Islamic State's propaganda magazine listed concert halls as 'ideal target locations' for attacks.
Prime Minister Theresa May has told a press conference that intelligence services believe they know the identity of the attacker, but are working to determine whether he was acting alone or a part of a group.
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Eyewitnesses reported that nuts and bolts were strewn around the floor while others had identified the 'smell of explosives'. The injured have been taken to hospitals across Manchester, with many suffering shrapnel wounds.
An emergency number is available for those who are concerned about loved ones or anyone who may have been in the area: 0800 096 0095.
Manchester refused to break after last night's attack. Off-duty medics showed up to help out, taxi drivers worked for free and hundreds of residents offered up beds, sofas and cups of tea for those affected. LADbible want to tell the stories of these unsung heroes. If you, or anyone you know, offered support last night we want to talk to you - email [email protected]
Featured Image Credit: Mercury PressTopics: Manchester