A terrifying event occurred in Prestwich when an arsonist tried to burn a family home by using a blow torch. The attack was carried out just before midnight on Sunday, and the driver was recorded, and the incident is being probed as a potential hate crime. 

 The incident at Mohammed Usman Hameed’s home has occurred several times since last year. The attacks were initiated in November when ‘Jew’ was scribbled on his garden using spray paints and a Star of David. Still residing at the age of 35, Hameed says he has a firm conviction that his home has been attacked out of the solidarity of the Palestinian flags that hang on his window. He lives on the property with his wife, two children, and other relatives and friends. 

“Since November, we have had several incidents – graffiti three or four times on my property and a guest’s car parked outside my house. A line of spray paint was put across the whole car in the middle of the night. In other incidents, the Star of David and ‘IDF’ (Israel Defence Force) were left on my wall,” Hameed said. 

 According to Hameed, his bedroom window was attacked by eggs two weeks ago. These are some of the harassment cases that have been continuously carried out. Hameed has reported all these to the police. At the same time, he singled out the attempted arson as one of the aggravating factors of the situation.

 The video footage related to the incident has been with the police. The authorities have attended Hameid’s house and invited a fire service risk assessment. 

However, Hameed himself seemed more irritable and worried about these initiatives. “This has been on and off for the last ten months. There is no routine to it. Just as you put your guard down, something else happens. The shed, which they tried to set on fire, is only three feet away from my house.”

 The act took place when a man wanted to burn some articles in a shed in Hameed’s compound using a blow torch. Thankfully, recent rain eliminated the fire risk and stopped further development of this hazardous and destructive disaster. Hameed said the perpetrator was standing beside the blow torch for 45 seconds. The shed is in the back garden, and there is a private alley that leads to the back of the house. 

 Hameed envisages the mentioned actions as terrorist activities against not only him but his family members as well. “Our fear is, what’s next? I have not taken down the Palestinian flags. I will not be bullied; they are not illegal. We are cordial with our neighbours and have lived here for almost 20 years.”

 Greater Manchester Police made a statement and called for witnesses and anyone with information concerning the attempted arson to come forward. Officers were alerted to the incident shortly after midnight on Monday, 1 July, with reports of attempted arson on a house in Prestwich. We are also aware of other allegations of graffiti at the same house. Further, as part of the investigations into the attempted arson, police will be looking into the possibilities that these cases are related. 

 The following are string actions that the police are taking to treat the incidents with the utmost sensitivity and seriousness. They said anyone with information or who was in the area on Sunday night and witnessed any strange activity should contact them. 

Information can be shared by calling 101 and quoting log 8 of 1/7/24. Alternatively, it can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.