Police are investigating after the leader of Oldham Council had her car set on fire in an “appalling” attack.

MPs and local politicians have rallied around Arooj Shah, who is the first Muslim woman to take charge of a council in the north of England, after her car was set fire on Tuesday.

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham tweeted: “This is absolutely appalling and I send my full support to @shah_arooj.

“It will be fully investigated and we will not be intimidated.”

Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West and Royton, also posted on the social media site: “My solidarity with Cllr Arooj Shah who has been targeted in such a cowardly way. The full weight of the law must be seen to bring those accountable to book.”

Councillor Howard Sykes, leader of Oldham Liberal Democrats, said: “This attack is appalling.

“It is a frightening attack on an individual, but it is also demonstrates the threat to people in public life and stops decent people from being involved in it.

“This cannot be allowed to continue, and not only must we stop this criminal attack, but also the abusive approach that has been too much of the politics in Oldham recently, and the UK, in recent years.

“Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, with respect, and with fairness.”

Greater Manchester Police said they were called to the Glodwick area of the town just before 1.30am following reports of a vehicle on fire.

A statement released by the force added: “Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended along with police, 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 the circumstances.”

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