Man arrested in connection with torching of Council leader's car

Police have arrested a 23-year-old man

Police have arrested a man in connection with a deliberate vehicle fire in Oldham which saw the Council Leader's car destroyed.

Officers were called in the early hours of Tuesday (13 July) to reports of a vehicle on fire in Glodwick.  The car was later identified as belonging to Oldham Council Leader, Arooj Shah.

Police and the fire service attended, 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.

A 23 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody, and is assisting police with their inquiries.

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.

"While we have made an arrest, our investigation remains very much on-going, and I would like to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed anything, or have any information surrounding this fire to please contact police as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 9059 quoting incident number 0041 of 13/07/2021. Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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