Woman’s home is destroyed by truck arsonist
A WOMAN’S home was completely destroyed after a truck was torched.
Police said the ‘reckless’ arson attack in Middleton could have had ‘devastating consequences.’
The flat-back truck was set on fire on Dixon Street in the early hours.
The flames spread to a nearby home.
Police said the woman who lives there has had to move because of the ‘extensive’ damage.
The covering from the gas meter, which is directly connected to the gas main for the street, melted as flames tore through the house.
If the gas main had have ignited, it could have proved disastrous, police said.
Officers were called to the fire at around 1.40am on Sunday, August 19.
Det Con Lee Worswick, of GMP’s Rochdale division, said: “This reckless incident could have had catastrophic consequences had the fire continued to spread and ignited the gas main. It goes without saying that would have put numerous lives in serious danger.
“Thankfully that didn’t happen but it still doesn’t reduce the severity of this incident and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have information that can assist us.
“If you believe that you can help us with our investigation then I would urge you to please contact police as a matter of urgency so that we can find the person responsible.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8441, quoting incident number 244 of August 19.
Reports can also be made via Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.