Syrian family have lucky escape after St Helens home targeted by arsonist
Police keep an open mind, but at this stage can't rule it out as a hate crime
Police and Fire and Rescue Service have launched a joint investigation after criminal damage was caused to a house in Haydock in the early hours of Sunday .
At around 4am, a report was received of a fire at a house in Park Avenue. Two adults and three children were removed from the house by emergency services suffering smoke inhalation and are all safe and well.
Initial enquiries indicate that the fire was deliberately started and significant damage was caused to the house.
Forensic, CCTV and house-to-house enquiries are being carried out to establish the circumstances and provide reassurance to the community and anyone with information is being urged to contact detectives.
Detective Inspector Louise Birchall said: "The occupants of this home, a Syrian family with three young children, were thankfully not more seriously hurt. The swift response from the emergency services ensured that everyone was brought to safety.
"I am sure that the community will be appalled that an innocent family would be subjected to such a frightening attack in their own home, and we will be relentless in identifying those responsible and bringing them to justice.
"We are keeping an open mind as to the motive behind this attack.
“If you have any information on who carried out this act, please speak to us directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers, and we will take action on all information provided."