A mother and her young child had a narrow escape after their car was deliberately set alight outside their home in Littleborough during the early hours of Saturday, 6th September.
Police say the blaze, which started at around 1.15am on Cleggswood Avenue, quickly spread from the driveway to the front of the property while the family slept inside. The car’s alarm is believed to have alerted them in time to escape safely with their pets.
Detectives have described the attack as “terrifying and deliberate” but no one was injured.
A 42-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of stalking and conspiracy to commit arson. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Officers believe the vehicle involved arrived and left from the Hollingworth Road direction. They are now appealing to anyone who lives or works nearby to check CCTV, doorbell cameras or dashcam footage from the time of the incident.
Detective Constable Mel Jeffery, from Rochdale CID, said:
“This was a terrifying and deliberate attack that could have ended in tragedy. A mother and her young child were asleep in their home when their car was set alight. The flames quickly spread to the front of the house, and it was only thanks to the car’s alarm that they were able to escape safely with their pets. The trauma they’ve experienced is unimaginable.
“We believe this was a targeted incident and while there is no wider threat to the public, we are determined to find those responsible. I urge anyone who saw or heard anything unusual, no matter how small, to come forward. Your information could be the missing piece.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or use the Live Chat facility at www.gmp.police.uk, quoting log 205 of 06/09/25. Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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