Man and boy arrested after 'arson attack' saw family flee house fire

A man and a teenage boy have been arrested after a suspected arson attack at a family home in Rochdale. Two adults and three children were forced to flee the property on Halifax Road after the blaze broke out, at around 8:30pm on Wednesday night (September 4).

Fire crews and police raced to the scene. The five occupants had already escaped the building. They were later treated for injuries. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said they were not life-threatening or life-changing.

Firefighters extinguished the fire before a joint investigation involving the fire service and police got underway. On Thursday, specialist forensic crime scene investigation officers were seen carrying out enquiries at the property, where a window appeared to have been smashed.

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Police said it was believed the fire had been started deliberately and that the family had been "targeted." Det Insp Katie Buntine said: "This is a disturbing incident where a property has been targeted, placing a family and three young children at risk of serious harm."

In an update today (Saturday, September 7), GMP confirmed two people had been arrested. A 45 year old man and a 16-year-old male have both been arrested on suspicion of arson they said. They have since been bailed pending further enquiries.

They are continuing to appeal for any witnesses or anyone who can help their enquiries, to come forward. Anyone with information or footage is asked to call GMP on 0161 856 8519 quoting 3525 of 04/09/24 Or it can be provided anonymously to the independent charity - Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

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