POLICE chiefs today vowed to maintain their increased presence on the streets surrounding Bolton's places of worship.

Mounted police will patrol areas including Daubhill, Deane and Astley Bridge until late evening in response to Monday's bomb attack on the Alavia Mosque in Bromwich Street.

Supt Don Brown, from Bolton Central Police station, said: "We will continue to be vigilant in order to maintain the harmonious relationships which have been established and continue to exist in Bolton."

As reported in the BEN yesterday, mounted police were mobilised from Leigh to improve security and public confidence.

Police horses will patrol around 20 places of worship covering all areas of Bolton. The extra security steps were launched yesterday - the traditional Muslim day of worship - outside the Zakaria Mosque in Peace Street Daubhill.

Hundreds of worshippers watched as mounted police began their patrols. High-ranking police officers also greeted worshippers face-to-face.

Supt Brown added: "We will not only look at patrolling mosques but other religious temples and places of worship as well. Our aim is to patrol and observe the areas using highly visible methods. We also want to reassure the public. We have heightened our police presence in response to the recent attack on a mosque."

Police are continuing their search for a motorist after the home-made device was set-off next to the Alavia mosque.

The driver, possibly behind the wheel of a private hire cab, was seen near the mosque, on Bromwich Street, the Haulgh, shortly before the explosion.

The device smashed three windows and started a small fire. No-one was hurt.

It is thought the car was a light blue or silver Vauxhall Cavalier. Anyone with information is asked to call Bolton CID on 0161 856 5653 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.