A LOW key police presence was mounted around Bolton's mosques last night after a bomb attack 24 hours earlier.

Extra patrols were drafted in as police chiefs appealed for calm in a bid to maintain good relations between communities.

The moves followed the explosion of a home-made device near the Alavia mosque in Bromwich Street, the Haulgh, on Monday night.

Experts from the bomb disposal squad were called in yesterday to make sure the home-made device was safe.

Its remains will be sent to a laboratory for testing.

The crudely constructed explosive was left in a plastic bag behind the mosque while people worshipped inside.

Nobody was hurt, but the blast smashed three windows and started a small fire.

A mosque in Fallowfield, Manchester, suffered an arson attack and further incidents against the Muslim community nationwide have raised fears of more attacks following the terrorist strikes in America.

Supt Don Brown said the police would do all they could to prevent further problems in the town.

"I can assure the community of Bolton that with their help we at Greater Manchester Police will do our upmost to maintain the existing harmonious relationship and uphold public order."

Detectives investigating the explosion said they believed a light blue or silver Vauxhall Cavalier seen in the area at the time could have been a private hire taxi.

Anyone with information which could help the police should call Bolton CID on 0161 856 5640.