Arsonists firebomb car belonging to first female Muslim leader of Oldham Council as politicians condemn 'appalling' attack

Arsonists have 'firebombed' a car belonging to the first female Muslim leader of Oldham Council - as other politicians rush to condemn the 'appalling' attack.

Police are investigating after a car belonging to councillor Arooj Shah was set alight in the early hours of Tuesday in Glodwick, Greater Manchester.

Nobody was injured in the fire, which was put out by firefighters shortly after emergency services arrived at the scene. 

Greater Manchester police have not confirmed if the attack was targeted at Ms Shah.

Ms Shah - the first Muslim woman to take charge of a council in the north of England - has been supported by MPs and local politicians since the blaze.

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

Arsonists have 'firebombed' a car belonging to the first female Muslim leader of Oldham Council - as other politicians rush to condemn the 'appalling' attack

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

Councillor Howard Sykes, leader of Oldham Liberal Democrats, said: 'This attack is appalling.

'It is a frightening attack on an individual, but it is also demonstrates the threat to people in public life and stops decent people from being involved in it.

'This cannot be allowed to continue, and not only must we stop this criminal attack, but also the abusive approach that has been too much of the politics in Oldham recently, and the UK, in recent years.

'Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, with respect, and with fairness.

'Abuse and 'dog-whistle' politics can have no part in our society.'

Jim McMahon (pictured with Jeremy Corbyn in 2015) , MP for Oldham West and Royton, tweeted: 'My solidarity with Cllr Arooj Shah who has been targeted in such a cowardly way'

A Greater Manchester Police statement 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.'