[Video] Police release CCTV footage of Urmston arson attack
Two suspects sought following fire.
Police have released CCTV footage of two men they wish to speak to in connection with an arson attack in Urmston. At around 5am on Saturday 13th February 2016 police were called by the Fire and Rescue Service following reports that an address on Ashley Avenue, Urmston, was on fire. The occupants of the house later discovered that a blue waste paper bin had been set on fire, which spread to a nearby garage and then the house itself. Officers attended and discovered the property had been subjected to an arson attack. The fire caused significant damage, writing off a Reliant Robin car and damaging the house and garage. An investigation was launched and has subsequently obtained CCTV footage from a neighbouring address that shows two males walking up the driveway shortly before a wheelie bin is set on fire they are seen a short time later walking quickly away. Several other properties in the area were subjected to arson attacks the same morning, and officers are linking the spate of incidents together. Detective Constable Simon Johnson said: “We are taking this arson attack very seriously indeed, as only fortune has prevented injury or loss of life. “Setting fire to wheelie bins might not appear to be the worst crime in the world, but make no mistake these arson attacks can have serious consequences. “We could quite easily have been dealing with numerous fatalities. “The CCTV reveals that we are looking for two men in connection with these attacks, and we desperately need anyone who may have witnessed them in the area at the time to contact us. “Alternatively, if you believe you recognise these men, please do not hesitate to call police.” Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7525 quoting incident number 130216/0474 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.