Arson attack on pensioners' home (From Leigh Journal)

Arson attack on pensioners' home

11:22am Thursday 4th February 2010 in

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AN elderly couple's home was damaged by fire when an arsonist struck at their house on a busy main road.

A sponge soaked in highly flammable liquid was set alight and pushed through the letterbox of a house in Manchester Road, Astley but fortunately the fire was quickly extinguished by the quick-thinking occupants.

Some damage was caused to the porch of the 73 year-old couple's home in the Saturday night attack.

Detective Constable Paul Clayton said: "Had the occupants not discovered the fire and put it out we could be dealing with the murder of two completely innocent people.

"I am astonished that anyone would be prepared to target a couple in such an indiscriminate and gratuitous way and I am doing all I can to bring this offender to justice.

"I would urge those in the community who may have information about the person responsible to think about what could have happened.

"If you know anything at all, regardless of how insignificant you think it might be, please do the right thing and call me before this person strikes again."

The attack happened at 10.45pm on January 23.

Anyone with information is asked to call CID on 0161 856 5307, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.