A mother and her young child had to evacuate their residence with their pets after their car was deliberately set on fire, causing the flames to spread to their house, as per the authorities.
Law enforcement officers were alerted to a car engulfed in flames in Cleggswood Avenue, Littleborough, Greater Manchester, at approximately 1:15 am on September 6. The woman and child were sleeping when the car was ignited, but they were alerted to the danger by the car’s alarm, according to Greater Manchester Police.
A 42-year-old man was taken into custody on suspicion of stalking and plotting to commit arson. He has been released on bail while further investigations are carried out. The police have shared an image of a car that detectives are looking to identify and are seeking to speak with the owner or occupants of the vehicle.
The car reportedly arrived from Hollingworth Road and departed in the same direction, possibly heading towards Lancashire and West Yorkshire.
DC Mel Jeffery, from the Rochdale division of the force, described the ordeal as “unimaginable” for the mother and child who were awoken by the car’s alarm and discovered their home in flames in what appears to have been a targeted attack.
DC Jeffery emphasized, “This was a terrifying and deliberate attack that could have resulted in a tragedy. A mother and her young child were inside their home when their car was set on fire on the driveway, just outside the front door.”
“The fire quickly spread to the front of the house, and only because of the car’s alarm were they able to escape unharmed with their pets. The trauma they have endured is beyond comprehension. They are safe but deeply shaken by the incident.”
“We suspect this was a deliberate act, and although the general public is not at risk, we are committed to apprehending those responsible.”
DC Jeffery urged the community to provide any information or footage from around the time of the incident on September 6.
“I urge anyone in the vicinity to review their CCTV, doorbell footage, or dashcam recordings from the time of the incident on September 6. Even the smallest detail could be crucial in solving this case,” emphasized DC Jeffery.
Individuals with information are encouraged to reach out to the police via 101 or their live chat service at Home, referencing log 205 of 06/09/25. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 for assistance.
