Firebomb attack hits quiet street
NEIGHBOURS have described hearing a loud ‘pop’ as a Southport home was targeted in a terrifying firebomb attack.
The house in Victory Avenue, High Park was engulfed in flames after the incident, just after midnight on Saturday March 31.
Fire crews arrived but found that the residents of the house – who were unharmed – had acted quickly to put out the blaze.
Firefighters were at the scene for only seven minutes.
A spokesman for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said: “We were called at 12.16am to reports of accelerant being thrown at a front door.
“Upon arrival an occupant had extinguished the fire and there was fire damage to the front window of the house.”
One resident, who has lived on Victory Avenue for 50 years, described the night-time attack as “unnerving.”
She also claimed that she had not witnessed anything like it dur- ing her time living on the street.
Another resident said they didn’t see anything, but heard a loud ‘popping’ sound during the night.
The incident is being treated as a suspected arson, and is being investigated by Merseyside Police.
A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: “Shortly before 0.10am, a report was received of a fire that had caused scorch marks on the front wall and window frame of a property.
“The occupants of the address, who were unharmed, extinguished the fire.
“A joint investigation was launched to establish the full circumstances, including forensic, CCTV and door-to-door enquiries.
“The incident is being treated as a case of deliberate ignition.”
Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the event, or has any information, to contact police via social media or by calling 101 quoting incident reference 18200067197.
Alternatively, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555111.