Arsonist hunted as VW explodes
AVOLKSWAGEN Golf exploded, after being set on fire in what police believe was a deliberate arson attack in Southport.
Footage of the fire, captured by a neighbour, showed flames erupting from the car which is parked outside a row of houses on Upper Aughton Road, in Birkdale.
In the video, black smoke can be seen billowing into the air and across the front of a nearby house.
Then the car, which is completely alight, explodes, sending flames and electric blue sparks flying on to the pavement, close to a nearby front garden.
The neighbour - who asked not to be named said: “I was woken with loud bangs, like firework bangers going off.
“All the neighbours were out but the car just kept exploding. Luckily, the fire crew were there within five minutes.”
The neighbour said firefighters arrived at the blaze at about 1.10am on Friday, September 27.
The suspected arson comes just over two weeks after two cars were set on fire in the town on the same night.
In one incident, a teenager was woken by his mum’s screams after his car was set on fire on Poulton Road. Tom Lea said he ran downstairs to see his Seat Leon up in flames, at around 4.30am.
The 19-year-old had bought the car Seat Leon just two weeks earlier.
Around two hours later, at 6.30am, a dog walker discovered a completely burned-out Mercedes at the entrance of the former Kew Park and Ride site, on Foul Lane.
It was later revealed that the car had been stolen from Aughton and driven to and around the abandoned car park.
Owner Wayne Walker had gone to check on his animals, after being told some had escaped their fields, but thieves struck while his car was parked up.
Mr Walker said: “We have animals, we have horses and cows in After an injury, it can feel like your life has been put on hold, but we can help you. We offer a
There are no hidden charges and we will work tirelessly to ensure you receive 100% of the compensation you are entitled to. Aughton. Someone had messaged to say my calves were in the road, so I went to see. I jumped out of my car as I was only going to be two minutes. I checked the calves were back there and they were. I was talking on the phone when I saw a car reversing away and I said ‘Someone’s stealing my car’.”
Merseyside police are appealing for information after the latest incident.
A spokesman said: “A report was received from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service at 1.25am that a green VW Golf was on fire. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service attended and put out the fire.
“It was reported a darkcoloured vehicle was seen leaving the scene just after the incident and inquiries are ongoing to locate it.
“Officers have also attended the scene and following inquiries, it is believed the car was deliberately set alight. A forensic examination of the scene has taken place and CCTV footage is being sought.”
Anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously, or a car making off from the scene, is asked to contact Merseyside police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC