Three more arrests in fire attack horror case
DETECTIVES have arrested three more men after a man was set on fire outside his home.
Police were called by the ambulance service at about 1am on September 26 after reports of a fire at a property in Waverley.
The homeowner, a 48-year-old man, was found at the scene with serious burns.
He was taken to hospital and remains in a critical but stable condition.
Detectives believe he was doused in some form of accelerant and set alight when he answered the door.
After investigations, a 35-year-old man from Liverpool and a 32-year-old man from Skelmersdale were arrested on suspicion of wounding, attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life.
They have been released on bail to October 28.
A further three men have since been arrested.
A 22-year-old from Liverpool was arrested and bailed to October 28, with a 31-year-old from Liverpool arrested and bailed to October 29.
Both were arrested on suspicion of wounding, attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life.
A fifth man, also 31 and from Liverpool, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and released without charge.
Det Ch Insp Pauline Stables, of Lancashire police’s major investigation team, said: “We are continuing with a number of inquiries to find those responsible for this horrendous attack.
“While we have made five arrests we continue to appeal for information from members of the public. A man has been left with serious, life-changing injuries and remains in a very poorly condition in hospital. If you know anything about this attack and have yet to speak to police, I would urge you to search your conscience and come forward with information. No matter how small or seemingly insignificant, it could prove crucial to our inquiry. We need to find the people responsible for this dreadful crime.
“While we believe this to be a targeted attack, we do not believe there is any threat to the wider community at this time.
“I recognise the concern this and other incidents has had on the local community and patrols have been increased in the area.
“We need the public’s help to find out who has done this so if anyone has any information, I would ask you contact us immediately.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 0068 of September 26.