Police have launched an investigation after the leader of Oldham Council fell victim to a ‘firebombing’ attack this week in which her vehicle was set alight.
Emergency services rushed to the Glodwick area of Oldham around 1.30am on Tuesday (13 July) after reports of a vehicle on fire.
Firefighters successfully tamed the blaze and nobody was injured during the incident, although “minor damage” was caused to a nearby property.
Shah – who made history by becoming the first Muslim female council leader in North England back in May – has not yet commented on the attack, but fellow politicians have weighed in to offer her support.
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 https://t.co/Bmwj8HJ47e@shah_arooj
Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West & Royton, called the attack “cowardly” – stating that the “full weight of the law must be seen to bring those accountable to book”.
Chair of the Labour Party Annelise Dodds also sent her best wishes to the councillor, describing the incident as “appalling”.
Dodds added: “The authorities must find out who was responsible and bring the full force of the law to hold them to account.”
Solidarity and my best wishes to Councillor Arooj Shah for this appalling attack.
The authorities must find out who was responsible and bring the full force of the law to hold them to account. https://t.co/zD28dwC9sn
Howard Sykes, Councillor for Shaw, published a statement on behalf of the Oldham Liberal Democrats, describing the firebombing as a “frightening attack on an individual” but also an incident that “demonstrates the threat to people in public life and stops decent people from being involved in it.”
The statement reads: “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.
“This is a time when we must stand together. If you are a decent, fair-minded person, you must stand up against this appalling attack, and defend the values of our country – honesty, decency and fairness.”
New from me: Firebombing of Cllr Arooj Shah’s car – leader of Oldham Council
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… https://t.co/KxZjgysYGBpic.twitter.com/zwU1zMmgmR
A police spokesperson commented: “Police were called just before 1:30am on Tuesday 13 July to reports of a vehicle on fire.
“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.”
Information can be passed to the police via 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.
Featured image: Oldham Council
Oldham
Cooking classes aimed at getting students ready for university are taking place near Manchester
Thomas Melia
A cooking workshop has launched just in time to teach students kitchen hacks as they prepare for university, and it’s less than an hour from Manchester.
With September just around the corner and the inevitable bedroom-packing, car-cramming, finance-faffing action already underway, there’s only one thing left to box off – cooking.
That’s where Saddleworth Cookery School steps in, with a five hour culinary experience that hopes to teach aspiring academics how to chef up some budget-friendly foodie feasts.
Located in Diggle, this cooking class will not only provide you with some essential cooking skills, but also aim to boost your confidence in the kitchen environment ahead of university.
A cooking workshop aimed at university students is taking place near Manchester / Credit : Brooke Cagle via Unsplash / Adbulmajeed Hassan via Pixabay
Throughout the session, you will learn how to prepare meals for yourself that are healthy and cost-effective, and also tailored to students and their lifestyles.
This cooking class doesn’t just show you how to batch cook a meal or two either, they also provide reassurance for students who may be anxious about food safety, storage, and preparation.
The dishes made within the workshop can be adapted and modified to suit all dietary requirements subject to prior notice – meaning veggies and vegans, this one’s for you too.
Anyone looking to advance their kitchen knowledge or start from scratch must be 16 years or older, and you can also attend without a parent or guardian.
Each participant will leave the session with a selection of recipes, as well as a shopping list, and even a goody bag containing some starting essentials to becoming a kitchen conqueror.
Cooking for yourself may seem daunting, but this kitchen has lots of positive feedback – with one user noting: “Thank you so much Pam and her wonderful, helpful and welcoming team,” while another added: “Kate taught us tons of recipes in a super relaxed and friendly setting.”
The ‘Get ready for University Cooking Class’ is taking place at Saddleworth Cookery School in Diggle across a range of dates, and you can find key info and get in touch with them directly HERE.
Police appeal for witnesses after body of woman recovered from reservoir in Oldham
Emily Sergeant
An urgent appeal for witnesses has been issued after the body of a woman was recovered from a reservoir in Oldham.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that emergency services responded to an incident at Strinesdale Reservoir, in Oldham, after receiving reports of a woman getting into difficulty in the water this past weekend.
The incident was said to have taken place at around 4:50pm on Sunday 17 August 2025.
Sadly, despite the prompt call to emergency services, the woman lost her life and her body was subsequently recovered from the water.
#APPEAL | We are appealing for witnesses following the recovery of the body of a woman from Strinesdale Reservoir, #Oldham, on Sunday 17/8/25.
Any info? 📞 police on 101 quoting log 2357 17/08/25, or contact @CrimestoppersUK.
Police say there are believed to be ‘no suspicious circumstances’ surrounding the woman’s death, and are instead focusing their investigations on trying to understand what happened by calling on witnesses for information.
“We are appealing for witnesses who may have seen her as she entered the water,” GMP said in its witness appeal.
Officers are also keep to learn more about the moments prior to her entering the water, and are urging anyone with information to come forward and help with enquiries.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 2357 17/08/25, or by use the LiveChat service on the GMP website at www.gmp.police.uk.
Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
The Manc -
14th July 2021 
