Arsonists have torched the car of a Salford Rabbi who has spoken out over Israel's military action in Gaza.

Firebugs poured petrol over Ahron Cohen's Volvo estate before setting fire to the vehicle outside his home in Broughton, Salford .

They first attached a makeshift fuse to the fuel tank, but when it failed to ignite they returned a few minutes later and used a can of petrol to start the fire.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze outside Mr Cohen's home on Welbeck Grove in the early hours. No one was hurt but the car was destroyed.

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Police are now investigating the arson, the latest in a series of attacks on Mr Cohen's house and car over seven years.

The Volvo 940 has previously been scratched and had its windows smashed, while eggs have been thrown at his house.

The grandfather says he has angered some amongst the local Jewish community by his outspoken views over Israeli government policy and its actions against Palestinians. He spoke only two weeks ago at a pro-Gaza demonstration in Rochdale.

Earlier this month, the M.E.N. reported how another Jewish man who criticised Israeli military action quit Salford after his home in Higher Broughton was vandalised.

Property manager Mr Cohen described the latest attack as 'sad' and said it could have killed someone had the car exploded.

But he added he was willing to meet his tormentors. He told the M.E.N: "It's a shame they have to resort to any form of violence. I'm quite happy to sit and talk and explain my views.

"They can explain theirs. If we don't agree, we can agree to differ. They have to understand that if everybody resorted to violent activity the world would be a very terrible place to live in. People are entitled to discuss their views but it has to be done in a civilised manner."

Explaining his views on Israel, he said: "Imagine if a group of foreigners set up a state in Lancashire. I don't think it would be a lot different to the reaction of the Palestinians to the formation of the state of Israel.

It's been a disaster, a festering sore that goes back 100 years."

A neighbour, who declined to be named, said: "His views have angered a lot of people around here. A lot of families have boys in the Israeli army."

Anyone with information about the arson is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.