Oldham Council leader Cllr Arooj Shah vows to continue job to improve town despite car arson

Firefighters were sent to a road in Glodwick at around 1.30am on Tuesday, July 13 to reports of a car on fire.

The car, which belonged to council leader, Cllr Arooj Shah, was engulfed in flames and the blaze caused slight damage to a nearby property.

No-one was injured in the fire but it was discovered that it was started intentionally.

Oldham Council leader Cllr Arooj Shah

A video later emerged on social media of car approaching Cllr Shah's vehicle before two men got out and setting it on fire.

Police arrested two men, aged 22 and 23, on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and they were bailed pending conditions.

Following the shocking incident, the council leader, received widespread support from political leaders.

Taking to social media, Cllr Shah shared a letter she received from Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in which he expressed his shock of the arson attack and he knows she "will not be deterred" from continuing her "important work" for the Oldham community.

Labour leader, Sir Kier Starmer, sent Cllr Shah a bouquet of flowers.

A letter from Prime Minister Boris Johnson to the council leader

Flowers delivered to the council leader from Sir Keir Starmer

In a statement, Cllr Shah said: "Thank you so much to everyone who has contacted me and offered support over the last few weeks. It has been a difficult and, at times, frightening time.

"What the response from the vast majority of wonderful people showed is that, regardless of political affiliation, we do have far more in common than that which divides us.

"Thank you to Boris for the letter and Kier for the lovely flowers and personal note.

"However, to those who chose and continue to choose to use this horrible incident to spread further hate, mistrust and lies I would say that hate will not win, in this town or anywhere else.

"My focus on improving Oldham for everyone who lives and works here will continue.

"I will not be scared away from doing the best for the town I grew up in and love.

"Oldham is an amazing, vibrant, diverse and friendly town. The actions of a minority will never overshadow our true spirit."

Anyone with details about the car fire can contact police on 0161 856 9059 quoting incident number 0041 of July 13.