Second arson attack on same Tonge Moor street in less than a month

Someone poured an accelerant through the letterbox and all over the front door of a terraced house in Eldon Street, Tonge Moor, before setting it alight at about 3.30am this morning.

Two people managed to get themselves out of the terraced property by the time firefighters arrived, and were treated by paramedics at the scene.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “At this stage we do not know how the fire started. It is currently under investigation.”

Earlier this month, an elderly couple were taken to hospital after the door of their home in Eldon Street was set on fire.

On March 3, police arrested a 27-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

He was bailed while police investigate.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Our enquiries are ongoing. No one has been arrested at this stage, but we are looking for someone in relation to the incident."

North West Ambulance Service confirmed they were called to a property in Eldon Street at 3.25am this morning, arriving on scene at 3.33am.

A spokesman added: “A rapid response vehicle and ambulance dealt with the patients on the scene for minor injuries but did not take anyone to hospital.”

Neighbours in Eldon Street this morning were concerned about the arson attacks.

The house of couple Jeanette Banner, aged 29, and 30-year-old Ian Laurukenas had been cordoned off by police.

Miss Banner said: “We live at the top of the street but didn’t see anything with it being so early in the morning.

“I really don’t feel safe being around here when people are going around starting fires like this.

“It’s really worrying – there are children on the street.”

Mr Laurukenas added: “It is scary – I go out to work at five in the morning and Jeanette is on her own all day.

“This is two attacks in less than a month - hopefully there won’t be any more.”

Another Eldon Street resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I hope they catch whoever did this and lock them away.

“We are all worried here because it could be us who are next, and I have a four-year-old child.

“I don’t know why they would have targeted that elderly couple last week – they have lived here for 40 years.”