Hunt for balaclava-clad arsonists who torched car moments after rush hour crash

Police are hunting a gang of arsonists who set fire to a car moments after crashing it into a fence. Emergency services descended on Harpurhey at around 6pm, where a dark grey Seat Leon had been on fire.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed it received a report about the car being driven the wrong way along Factory Lane, moments before the dramatic blaze. Police say a group of men wearing balaclavas escaped the car after crashing it into railings.

Moments later, the group returned to the scene and set fire to the Seat, GMP says. Police are continuing with their investigation and anyone with information is being urged to come forward.

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In a statement issued today, a GMP spokesperson said: "At around 6pm yesterday evening (June 16), police received a report of a grey Seat driving on the wrong side of the road on Factory Lane. The vehicle then collided with railings before a group of men wearing balaclavas exited the vehicle onto Conningsby Drive.

"The males returned a short time later and proceeded to set fire to the vehicle. An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing today to identify the offenders."

Police initially closed off part of Factory Lane and neighbouring Rochdale Road while firefighters dealt with the incident. Images from the scene showed the Seat's dark-coloured bodywork had been wrecked by the fire, turning a chalky colour towards the front.

Firefighters from Blackley quickly arrived onto the scene after being called out at around 6pm, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said. They remained at the scene for around 30 minutes.

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