Oldham councillor’s car torched in ‘firebomb’ attack – six weeks after similar incident

An Oldham councillor’s car was torched in an alleged ‘firebomb’ attack – six weeks after a similar incident.

Someone is thought to have set fire to Cllr Josh Charters’ car ouside his home at around 10.30pm on Tuesday (January 13).

Police are understood to be investigating after the St James ward representative reported the incident.

Oldham Council bosses said they are ‘working closely’ with detectives. Nobody was hurt.

Cllr Charter’s Mini Cooper Sport was destroyed. He wrote on Facebook: “At approximately 22:28 on Tuesday night, someone set my car on fire outside my home whilst my fiancée and I were getting ready for bed. Megan, our Dog, Korinna, and myself are physically unharmed but understandably quite shook up.

“I’m not speculating on the motive at this time and I’m supporting GMP with their inquiries, and I want to thank both them and GM Fire & Rescue for their speedy action in attending the fire and making it safe.”

The councillor also appealed to neighbours to go to police with any CCTV or photographs from Ripponden Road, in the area of Watersheddings.
A spokesperson for GMP said: “On 13 January 2026, at around 10.30pm we were called to reports of a suspected arson attack on Ripponden Road, Oldham.

“Officers attended alongside fire service. Thankfully no injuries were reported.”

Footage from neighbour’s doorbell camera reportedly shows a lone figure throwing liquid over the car’s windscreen, then appearing to set the car alight.

An Oldham council spokesperson said: “We are aware of a serious incident involving a councillor. We are now working closely with Greater Manchester Police to support their investigation into this matter.”

The incident is the second of its kind in Oldham in just over six weeks. Council candidate Shah Bahram, who lives in the Abbey Hills area of Oldham, was the target of an alleged arson attack in December.

Dramatic footage showed two figures approaching a car, before fleeing.  In 2021, council leader Arooj Shah’s car was torched.

Sergeant Gabriella Evans from Oldham’s neighbourhood team said: “We understand this incident may cause concern within the community however we believe it was a targeted attack and there is no threat to the wider community.

“We are carrying out enquiries to identify those response and would ask anyone who may be able to support our investigation to come forward.”
CCTV footage of the figure was captured by a neighbour’s property.

Police have asked any witnesses with information to get in touch via 0161 856 9091 or anonymously on the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.