Arsonists torched a minibus outside as Islamic Centre hours after ripping out CCTV cameras to avoid detection.

Police were called to the site, on Regent Street, Newton Heath, shortly before 11:30pm yesterday after reports two men were trying to steal CCTV cameras.

Officers attended and found two cameras had been ripped from front of the building.

There was no one at the centre at the time and officers intended to visit the premises to today to discuss the theft.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

But just two hours later, at around 1.20am, police were called back to the centre, along with the fire brigade, after a minibus belonging to the centre was torched.

The vehicle was completely gutted by the blaze.

Detectives now believe the incidents are linked with the culprits thought to have stole the cameras in a bid to avoid detection.

Two men, dressed in black clothing, were seen running from the scene.

However, there were also cameras at the rear of the building which it is hoped will have caught the offenders in the act.

Police say they are investigating whether the attack was a targeted hate crime.

Inspector Chris Hadfield said: “We believe the two incidents are linked and that the theft of the CCTV cameras was meant to help them carry out their arson attack on the minibus without being recorded.

“Fortunately, there are several other cameras that capture the rear of the Islamic Centre where the attack took place.

“However, it is vital that we get potential witnesses to come forward with any information they may have.

“We are investigating the possibility that this is a targeted hate crime and we will be working closely with our partners in the council and local community to try and track down the people responsible and prevent such an attack happening again.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.