Shocking moment masked thugs firebomb Muslim prayer room in Blackburn cafe

This is the moment masked louts launch firebombs on a Muslim prayer room with the second attack on the building inside a week caught on CCTV . The spiritual room, at the front of Café Raha in Blackburn, Lancashire, went up in flames after the yobs hurled lit bottles of accelerant at 2.30am on Tuesday morning. Locals were recovering from a similar early-hours incident at the centre last week as police say there is 'no suggestion' that either were racially-motivated attacks. Footage showed a group of men, wearing balaclavas, throwing firebombs into the windows of the building, which then sets alight. Firefighters were called to the scene to put out the fire while police also attended and have confirmed an investigation has been launched. Lancashire police issued a statement saying: "While the motivation for the attack has yet to be fully established there is no suggestion at this time that the incident is racially or religiously motivated. "We are aware that incidents such as this can be quite distressing for the local residents in Blackburn and wider communities, but we would like to reassure you that is an ongoing and active police investigation, and we will provide an update as soon as we have concluded our enquiries. "We have increased reassurance patrols in the area; therefore, the public will see an increase in police presence in the area. If you see our police officers out and about in your area and are concerned, please come and speak to us." Owner Mohammed Awais told the Lancashire Telegraph : "We put our hearts and souls into this place. We have not done anything to anyone. Whatever it is, it should not push someone to do something so dangerous. "It is affecting people’s livelihoods and staff rely on their work to survive. There is no reason to do something reckless like this. If there is an issue or something has gone wrong in the store they should come and see us." He added: "We are also thankful to the fire teams and the local neighbour who appears to have alerted them straight away. They could have targeted anywhere but why come to this area? From the outside you can see it is a prayer room through the glass. You can see the Arabic verses and the prayer mats." A Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: "At 2.40am, three fire engines from Blackburn and Hyndburn attended an incident on Whalley New Road, Blackburn involving a fire in a single-storey building."