Full Breakdown
Arson Attack on Café Raha Prayer Room in Blackburn
5/14/2026, 12:47:38 AM
Incident Overview
In the early hours of Monday, two masked individuals threw a petrol-filled bottle through the window of the Muslim prayer room at Café Raha, a Middle Eastern-inspired café on Whalley New Road, Blackburn, Lancashire. The accelerant ignited a fire that damaged the prayer room, destroyed prayer mats and shattered an additional front-window. Fire crews responded promptly and spent two hours extinguishing the blaze. No injuries were reported.
Background of Café Raha
Café Raha opened in 2023 and quickly gained local recognition, becoming a finalist in the Lancashire Telegraph’s Best Coffee Shop competition. The establishment includes a dedicated prayer room identifiable by Arabic verses displayed on glass, a feature highlighted by owner Mohammed Awais.
Key Individuals and Agencies
- Mohammed Awais – Owner of Café Raha.
- Lancashire Police – Lead investigators, treating the incident as arson.
- Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service – Responded to the fire and controlled it within two hours.
Timeline of Events
- 02:32 am (Monday) – Lancashire Police received the emergency call.
- Shortly after – CCTV captured the two masked men throwing the petrol bomb.
- Following the call – Fire crews arrived, fought the fire for two hours, and secured the site.
- Morning (Monday) – Café staff began cleaning the damaged area to prepare for reopening.
Damage and Response Data
- Perpetrators: Two masked men.
- Weapon: Lit bottle of petrol (accelerant).
- Physical damage: Prayer mats destroyed, prayer-room glass broken, additional front-window shattered.
- Fire suppression: Two-hour operation by fire services.
- Casualties: None.
Impact on Community and Business
Owner Awais emphasized that the attack threatens staff livelihoods, noting that employees depend on their wages for survival. He described the incident as a source of depression for the team but expressed gratitude toward the fire crews and a neighbor who alerted authorities promptly.
Official Statements & Responses
Lancashire Police confirmed the incident is being investigated as arson, with detectives reviewing CCTV footage and pursuing multiple lines of inquiry. The force has increased patrols in the area and stated there is currently no indication that the attack was motivated by race or religion. Awais reiterated his belief that the café may have been targeted because of its recent success and stressed the importance of community support for the business’s recovery.
Criticism, Concerns, and Opposition
Awais voiced concern that the café is being singled out despite no wrongdoing, suggesting the attack may be an act of intimidation. While police have not identified a motive, the owner’s perspective highlights community unease about potential targeted aggression.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police statements deny any evidence of a racial or religious motive, whereas the owner suspects deliberate targeting. No suspects have been identified, and the investigation remains open, leaving the motive unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “From the outside you can see it is a prayer room through the glass. You can see the Arabic verses and the prayer mats.” — Mohammed Awais, Owner, Café Raha
- “I believe someone is targeting us because we are doing very well. ?” — Mohammed Awais, Owner, Café Raha
- “32am on Monday to a café premises on Whalley New Road, Blackburn, to a report of an arson.” — Lancashire Police spokesperson
- “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.” — Lancashire Police spokesperson
What’s Next
Detectives continue to examine CCTV and other evidence while Lancashire Police maintain heightened patrols around the café. Café Raha plans to reopen once repairs are completed, and the investigation remains ongoing to determine any responsible parties.
