Leaders react after Oldham Council leader Cllr Arooj Shah's car 'firebombed'

Police were called to the Glodwick area just before 1.30am after reports of a vehicle on fire.

Emergency services arrived and firefighters put out out the blaze.

No-one was hurt in the incident but minor damage was caused to a nearby property.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed the fire is being treated as arson with detectives investigating.

It has not been confirmed if it was a targeted attack.

READ > Oldham Council leader's car 'firebombed' in shocking arson attack

A GMP spokesman said: "Police were called just before 1:30am on Tuesday, July 13 to reports of a vehicle on fire in the Glodwick area in Oldham.

"Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended along with police, and it was established that the vehicle was deliberately ignited, also causing slight damage to a neighbouring property.

"The fire was extinguished, no-one was injured, and officers are investigating the circumstances."

Following the incident, leaders have reacted with shock and support for Cllr Shah.

Oldham Council leader, Cllr Arooj Shah

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham said: "This is absolutely appalling and I send my full support to Cllr Shah.

"It will be fully investigated and we will not be intimidated."

Ashton and Failsworth MP Angela Rayner said: "This was a despicable and cowardly attack on Arooj Shah, Oldham Council's first ever female Muslim leader.

"She has the full support of everyone within the Labour Family, from her colleagues at Oldham Council to MPs across the country.

"The outpouring of support from those outside of politics has also been heartwarming to see.

"Arooj has faced disgusting abuse throughout her career as a councillor and she has always handled it with grace and dignity, but she shouldn't have to. 

"We all stand shoulder to shoulder with Arooj and demand the full weight of the law be brought down on those responsible. Much more needs to be done to protect Arooj - and all those facing such vile hatred and abuse."

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon said: “My solidarity with Cllr Arooj Shah who has been targeted in such a cowardly way.

"The full weight of the law must be seen to bring those accountable to book.

“As this is an ongoing investigation I am limited to what I can say publicly, other than to offer my support and thoughts to Arooj and her family.”

Debbie Abrahams said: "Solidarity & love to Cllr Shah following this horrific attack.

"If whoever did this thinks this will put Arooj off from her work as leader of Oldham Council then they clearly don't know her.

"I look forward to GMP having the suspect/s in custody soon."

Wigan MP Lisa Nandy added: "Sending love and solidarity to Cllr Shah.

"The cowards who did this must be caught and face consequences."

The attack has also been condemned across different political parties.

Sending love and strength to @shah_arooj and her colleagues, family and friends. This is horrific. Things have to change. https://t.co/vFoaTyidUm

— Kim Leadbeater MP (@kimleadbeater)

Oldham's Liberal Democrats leader, Cllr Howard Sykes, described the the attack as "appalling and "frightening".

He added that there has been an "abusive approach" in "too much of the politics in Oldham recently, and the UK".

Cllr Sykes said: "This is a time when we must stand together.

"If you are a decent, fair-minded person, you must stand up against this appalling attack, and defend the values of our country – honesty, decency and fairness."

Conservative councillor for Royton North, Dave Arnott, said: “This looks like a very disturbing incident, and I’m sure a great shock for Cllr Shah.

"I am confident that Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service will conduct a thorough investigation and then we will know more about the events that took place early this morning.”

If you have any information contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.