A PROMINENT political activist today appealed for calm after revealing his family car had been petrol bombed in an early morning attack.

Shahid Malik said violence was not the answer as he told how the Toyota Carina was set on fire and burned out as it was parked outside the Malik family home in Colne Road, Burnley.

Today the attack was condemned by MP Peter Pike and the far right BNP.

Mr Malik, son of former Burnley Mayor Rafique and member of Labour's National Committee, said the family felt vulnerable following the attack at 3.55am last Thursday.

DC Adrian Crorken, of Pennine Police hate crime unit, Burnley, said: "Someone has set fire to the car. I have spoken to Shahid's father and we don't know who has done it or why it has been done.

"There's nothing to indicate one way or another why it has happened so we are keeping an open mind."

But Mr Malik, a former member of the Commission for Racial Equality, said: "The family car was fire bombed outside the house. We can't say 100 per cent who it is. The police said they are investigating but it is one of those crimes where it is difficult to track people down.

"It is intimidation and just strengthens our resolve to challenge these kind of people. My mother and father were going abroad on holiday and they were a bit concerned about leaving after this happened.

"It's shaken and frightened everyone but it certainly won't stop us from expressing our views. It was a cowardly act by despicable people.

"If people don't like other people's views violence isn't the answer. It is about discussions, debates and winning hearts and minds. This just strengthens our view that people need to fight against thuggishness."

Simon Bennett, spokesman for the BNP, said: "We don't condone that sort of action. It's not our kind of tactics."

Peter Pike MP said: "I obviously condemn any incident of violence or criminal damage. If it turns out to be politically motivated it is even worse.

"In this country we discuss and debate issues rather than attacking other people and their property. I hope the police quickly discover and catch whoever is responsible."