A FAMILY at the centre of racist arson attacks on their home today thanked their neighbours and friends for their help and support during their frightening time.
Blackburn MP Jack Straw has also called the family to offer his condolences and sadness at what has happened to them during the last few days.
M and I News, Hereford Road, Whitebirk, was targeted twice in six hours on Thursday.
A white man ran into the shop, owned by Mr Iqbal Patel, and set fire to shelves at 11.30am then arsonists struck again in the evening by trying to set fire to an upstairs bedroom at the house which left one of the rooms badly smoke damaged.
Mr Patel's daughter Aziza, 21, said: "We are still obviously shaken up but all of our customers have been really supportive and we owe them a lot. We truly appreciate their concern."
The police presence in the predominately white area has been increased and the attacks are being investigated as racially motivated.
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