CCTV appeal after south Manchester mosque arson a month ago

Detectives investigating arson at a mosque in Didsbury have released CCTV in a further appeal for information following the attack a month ago.

The footage shows the incident occur just before 11.50pm on Friday 10 September at the mosque off Barlow Moor Road.

It is believed that the offender approached the front door of the building with two beer cans full of petrol before attempting to set fire to them.

Thankfully members of the public spotted the lit cans and called the fire service to the scene before the cans caught fire.

No arrests have so far been made and investigators at West Didsbury CID continue to explore a number of lines of enquiry, including impending results from forensic tests.

Officers are also appealing to anyone who may have been driving on Barlow Moor Road just before midnight that evening to check any dash cam footage they may have.

Local officers have been working closely with the mosque and councillors to ensure the safety of the building and those who congregate there, as well as providing reassurance in the community in response to this isolated incident.

Detective Inspector Jon Weir, of GMP's City of South Manchester division, said: "Thanks to the quick response from members of the public and the fire service, no significant damage was caused by this incident but there is no doubting that this was a deliberate act intent on causing disruption and hurt.

"There was understandable concern from the community about what happened at the mosque and I would like to reassure them that we have been doing all we can since this occurred to find the person responsible and hold them to account for their dangerous actions.

"We are not certain as to why the offender did this and are keeping an open mind; what we do know is that we remain keen to speak to the person on the video about this incident.

"From reviewing footage in the area around the time, there appears to be some pedestrians and a number of vehicles travelling on Barlow Moor Road and we ask that anyone with dash cam footage or any recollection of their journey in the area that evening to please get in touch with us."

Information can be passed to detectives by calling 0161 856 4973 quoting incident 10 of 11/09/2021.

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.