As a young family slept in their home, a "petrol bomb" was hurled at their front door. The shocking incident was one of six arson attacks carried out across Bolton in the space of just one hour.
Several homes and cars were set ablaze in the Great Lever, Daubhill and Farnworth areas of the town between 12am and 1am this morning (Sunday).
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At one property in Green Lane, residents said they saw a man climb from a car before hurling a "petrol bomb" at an address. A young family is understood to have been inside at the time.
A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said she heard a series of "bangs" outside her home shortly after midnight.
"I thought they were doing something to the house next door," she said.
"I ran downstairs because there was a young family and baby in there. I didn't want the house to set on fire.
"A couple of taxi drivers stopped and came over as well. There was a glass bottle with petrol in it.
"Loads of us were trying to douse the flames but every time we threw water on it, it just carried on exploding."
Another neighbour said he heard what sounded like "gun shots" shortly after midnight. When he looked outside, the door step of a neighbouring property was on fire.
He said he later checked his CCTV cameras, which showed a man getting out of a car before throwing a petrol bomb at the house.
"It's shocking," he said. "At first, we just thought it was a fight involving the neighbours."
The house that was targeted was taped off by police following the incident, and neighbours reported seeing forensic officers attended the address on Sunday.
Just over two miles away, a police cordon was also in place in Back Howcroft Street, Daubhill. A visibly scorched car was pictured at the scene alongside a melted wheelie bin.
One man, whose home backs on to the scene, said he heard a "loud bang" shortly after midnight.
"It sounded like someone was smashing a car up," he said. "The next thing I knew someone rang my door bell and said 'there's a fire behind your house, get out'.
"I looked out the window and could see flames quite high and a lot of smoke."
Meanwhile, Ismail Pandor was getting ready for bed when his mother told him she could see flames behind their home in nearby Derby Street.
"I thought my garage was on fire so I phoned 999," he explained.
"When I came outside, there were already police and the fire brigade sprinkling water on the fire.
"The whole car was on fire. I was shocked. I would never have expected something like that."
Neighbours said they had not previously seen the car that had been torched, and believe it had been "dumped" in the area.
Cordons were in place on Plodder Lane and Crescent Road on Sunday following the arson attacks, which the Manchester Evening News came after a dispute between gangs in the area.
Detectives are currently treating the fires as targeted and have arrested two men, aged 31 and 28, on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with the incidents.
Section 60 stop and search powers have also been enforced and will remain in place until midnight on Monday (April 17) in the nearby vicinity.
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Morley of GMP Bolton’s district said: “Last night’s arson attacks across the Farnworth and Great Lever areas are shocking displays of violence and aggression and have put innocent members of the public at risk.
“Thankfully nobody was injured, and the incident is believed to be a targeted attack. These were reckless attacks and will not be tolerated in our communities in Bolton or Greater Manchester.
“Two males have already been arrested on suspicion of these attacks and we are continuing our extensive enquiries to locate any other possible suspects involved in these incidents. We remain committed to locating, arresting, and bringing justice to these offenders and the victims of these attacks.
“You will see officers located at the scenes and patrolling around the Farnworth and Great Lever areas on foot and in vehicles to provide reassurance to the local communities. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to our officers on patrol who can provide support and advice to you.
“If you have any information regarding the incidents that could help with our enquiries, please get in touch as soon as possible as your information, no matter how small it may seem, could be the missing piece we need to locate these offenders and bringing them to justice."
Anyone with any information or footage of this incident should contact us on 0161 856 5757 or 101 quoting log 3979 of 15/04/2023. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.
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