Police in Blackburn are investigating after masked men allegedly carried out a firebomb attack on a mosque, sparking concern among local Muslim communities and renewed debate about rising Islamophobia in the United Kingdom.
According to reports, the attackers smashed a window before setting fire to the building and fleeing the scene. Emergency services responded quickly and managed to contain the blaze. No deaths or serious injuries were reported, though the attack caused damage to the mosque and shocked worshippers in the area. Authorities have launched an investigation and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify the suspects.
The incident comes amid growing concern over attacks targeting places of worship across Britain. Community leaders and anti-racism groups condemned the assault, calling for stronger action against hate crimes and protection for religious communities. Similar attacks and threats against mosques in other parts of the UK in recent months have also raised fears among British Muslims.
Recent reports by monitoring groups have shown a sharp rise in Islamophobic incidents across Britain, including mosque vandalism, arson attacks, anti-Muslim graffiti and far-right demonstrations. Some organisations reported anti-Muslim assaults increasing by more than 70 percent in recent years, while attacks on mosques and Islamic institutions also rose significantly following tensions linked to the Gaza war and unrest across the UK.
Local residents and faith leaders urged unity following the attack, stressing that violence against religious sites should never be tolerated regardless of faith or background.
