Two held after petrol bomb attack sets man on fire

A MAN and a woman have been arrested after a petrol bomb attack on a family home which set one of the occupants on fire.

The man, aged 20, was engulfed in flames but managed to douse them and escaped with minor injuries.

Children were inside the house in Fairfield Road, Middleton, when the bomb was thrown through a window on Wednesday at 9.05pm.

A neighbour told the M.E.N. that the arsonists were caught on CCTV lighting a ‘petrol bomb’ moments before the attack.

Police have now established that earlier that day a number of people were in a darkcoloured Fiat parked outside the address before making threats towards the occupants and driving away. The Fiat returned around 9pm.

A 19-year-old woman and 20-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. They remain in custody for questioning.

Detective Inspector Nicola Hopkinson of GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “This was clearly a violent and targeted attack that left a man suffering from minor burn injuries.

“There were others present at the property at the time of the attack, including young children, so clearly this incident could easily have resulted in devastating consequences.

“Whilst we have two people in custody, I would urge any witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Call police on 0161 856 8511 or 101 quoting incident number 2809 of 10/06/2020 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.