A family have spoken of their terror after a firebomb was thrown through the window of their Sharples home in an attack police believe was targeted.
Emergency services were called to Eastgrove Avenue at around 9.20 pm on Wednesday, June 10, after reports of a suspected arson attack.
Footage shows a masked person smashing a window before throwing a lit object into the property, creating a huge fireball.
The family escaped without injury but said they have been left shaken by the incident.
Homeowner Hassan Patel said: "I wasn't at home, but my son took the bins outside, and he saw two guys on a motorbike going up. And then when he came inside, everybody heard a big bang. My son was literally near the entrance.
"And when he heard the big bang, my wife, my kids, they were in the kitchen. They thought that my daughters had fallen upstairs, so they quickly ran. But then my son's shouting, 'everybody get out, get out, there's a fire.'"
Mr Patel, who is a Imam at a local mosque, said nobody in the house was able to sleep following the attack.
The fire broke out beneath his son's bedroom, and the family believe the incident may have been racially motivated.
His son, Umair Yusuf, said: "It's become unfortunate that in this day and age, 2026 we're living in, as Muslims, people of ethnic minorities, it's become a time where we are scared, with just wandering into the streets.
"Today we got attacked in our own homes, we've been attacked in our own mosques.
"These are places where we feel at home, where we're meant to feel safe."
Mr Patel added: "It was shocking. Everybody was shaken, obviously. But what it is, what's happening around the world at this moment in time, I don't know."
Greater Manchester Police have since confirmed an investigation is under way. The force said they believe the incident was targeted but stressed there is no wider risk to the public.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples 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."
Residents have also spoken of their shock at the incident.
One neighbour said: "You could definitely see the family was shook up.
"Not at all usual that's the biggest shock. It's the first time ever something like this happened here.
"This neighbourhood is quiet and safe you don't hear about all this."
The MP covering the area has heard of the incident and issued a statement.
Kirith Entwistle MP, of Bolton North East, said: “I’ve been following the reports of the suspected arson attack on Eastgrove Avenue last night, which appears to have been deliberate and targeted.
"Turning on our friends, our neighbours and our own communities is never going to be the solution to solving our problems. I wholeheartedly condemn attacks like this on our communities.
"We all have a duty to keep each other safe, and every single one of us has the responsibility to make our country better.
"To all my constituents, you can always get in touch with me to raise your concerns directly. Violence is not and will never be the answer.
"I urge everyone to cooperate with the police, and I will be playing my part in keeping our communities safe.
"Bolton is better than this.”
As well as this, a local councillor has said people should come forward for any support, or if they have information, as well as the police for local support.
Cllr Hilary Fairclough, of Astley Bridge, said she would work with community safety teams following the attack.
The councillor urged worried residents to get in touch.
She said: "Obviously everyone would be disturbed by what happened.
"I hope we can all work together and get something sorted. I will liaise with the community safety team."
"If residents are concerned or worried, then contact me by all means, or the police, and I'll work with them to make sure they feel safer."
Also in the council, Cllr Hamid Khurram, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, said: “This was a deeply distressing incident, and our thoughts are with the family and everyone in the local community who has been affected.
“While thankfully no one was harmed, we fully recognise the shock and anxiety this will have caused across Bolton.
“At this stage Greater Manchester Police believe this was a targeted attack and there is no risk to the wider public, however we are working closely with partners to provide reassurance and support.
“We would ask residents to continue looking out for one another and to share any information that may assist the ongoing police investigation.”
The Bolton News has approached Bolton Council of Mosques for comment.
A youth leader has commented on the incident.
Saeed Atcha MBE DL, Chief Executive Officer of Youth Leads UK said: “The reported fire bombing at an Imam's house in Bolton is deeply disturbing and sickening. My thoughts are immediately with the Imam, his family, and the wider community.
“Incidents like this shake our sense of safety, community and belonging - and every civic and community leader in this borough needs to say so, loudly and clearly.
“I am calling on Greater Manchester Police to investigate this swiftly and thoroughly. The community deserves answers quickly.
“To everyone in Bolton feeling anxious or afraid right now - I stand with you. We need to come together, stay vigilant, and make clear that attacks like this have no place in our town.”
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.
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