A man has been arrested after a car belonging to the leader of Oldham Council was deliberately set on fire.
Cllr Arooj Shah, the first Muslim woman to take charge of a council in the north of England, was targeted in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
A 23 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
Detective chief inspector Wesley Knights of GMP's Oldham division said: 'This fire destroyed a vehicle and caused damage to a neighbouring property. It was a reckless, abhorrent act, and it's fortunate that no-one got hurt.
'We will not rest until the circumstances around this incident are fully understood, and those responsible brought to justice.'
Politicians across the region have spoken out against the attack, including mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees.
Complete solidarity with Councillor @shah_arooj, the Leader of Oldham Council, whose car was set on fire yesterday morning
— Marvin Rees (@MarvinJRees) July 14, 2021
Sending my full support to Arooj and her family https://t.co/ckGTOcAsyu
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 https://t.co/Bmwj8HJ47e @shah_arooj
— Jim McMahon MP (@JimfromOldham) July 13, 2021
