A mother and her young child had to escape their residence along with their pets after their car was intentionally set on fire, leading to the house catching ablaze, as per law enforcement officials. The incident occurred in Cleggswood Avenue, Littleborough, Greater Manchester, around 1:15 am on September 6. The mother and child were asleep when the car was ignited, but the car’s alarm alerted them to the danger, per Greater Manchester Police.
A 42-year-old man was apprehended on charges of stalking and plotting arson. He has been released on bail while further investigations are conducted. Authorities have shared an image of a vehicle that investigators are keen on identifying, and they are seeking to speak with the owner or occupants of the car.
The vehicle reportedly arrived from Hollingworth Road and departed in the same direction, potentially heading towards Lancashire and West Yorkshire.
DC Mel Jeffery from the Rochdale division of the police force described the emotional toll on the mother and child as “unfathomable,” recounting how they were roused by the car alarm and discovered their home engulfed in flames in what appears to be a targeted attack.
DC Jeffery emphasized the severity of the incident, stating, “This was a frightening and calculated assault that could have resulted in a tragedy. A mother and her young child were inside their residence when their car was set on fire right outside their front door.”
He further added, “The fire rapidly spread to the front of the house, and their escape was only made possible by the car’s alarm. The emotional distress they have endured is immense. Although they are physically unharmed, they are deeply shaken by the incident.”
Authorities believe the attack was deliberate, with no imminent threat to the public safety, but are resolute in their pursuit of the culprits.
DC Jeffery has urged the community to provide any pertinent information or video footage from the time of the incident on September 6. He stressed, “I encourage residents and businesses in the vicinity to review their CCTV, doorbell cameras, or dashcam recordings from the date of the incident. Even the smallest detail could be crucial in solving this case.”
Individuals with relevant details are urged to contact the police through 101 or the live chat service at Home, quoting log 205 of 06/09/25. Alternatively, they can anonymously reach out to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 for assistance.