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Arson attack on Islamic centre

Two masked men are being sought by police after an arson attack at an Islamic centre in Manchester. They were seen running from the centre in Newton Heath in the early hours of his morning after a minibus had been set alight. Police say they are investigating whether it is a targeted hate crime. Hours earlier two CCTV cameras had been ripped from front of the building.

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Minibus fire 'may have been targeted hate crime'

Masked men were seen running away from the centre Credit: Natasha Carter

Two masked men are being sought by police after an arson attack at an Islamic centre in Manchester.

They were seen running from the centre in Newton Heath in the early hours of his morning after a minibus had been set alight.

Police say they are investigating whether it is a targeted hate crime.

Hours earlier two CCTV cameras had been ripped from front of the building.

"We believe the two incidents are linked and that the theft of the CCTV cameras was meant to help them carry out their arson attack on the minibus without being recorded.

"Fortunately there are several other cameras that capture the rear of the Islamic Centre where the attack took place.

"However, it is vital that we get potential witnesses to come forward with any information they may have.

"We are investigating the possibility that this is a targeted hate crime and we will be working closely with our partners in the council and local community to try and track down the people responsible and prevent such an attack happening again."

– Inspector Chris Hadfield

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