9:05am Thursday 11th March 2010
A FAMILY has been left fearing for their lives after an arsonist caused a mini-explosion and set fire to their home.
A 52-year-old mother, her three daughters, son and an aunt were in the house in Hilden Street, The Haulgh, when the attack happened.
Neighbours, who heard a loud bang at about 9pm on Tuesday, rushed to the family’s aid, urging them to get out of the house.
All six members of the family were in the back room of the house. They also heard what they described as an explosion and, when they went to investigate, saw flames engulfing their porch.
The family has asked not to be named. One of the sisters, a woman in her 20s, said: “We were shocked and very scared. It is lucky we all got out. It could have been much worse.”
The family escaped through the back door and called the fire service on a mobile phone. Neighbours also dialled 999 as the fire took hold.
A police officer was yesterday standing guard outside the house and police were investigating the cause of the fire.
The daughter added: “Someone’s got something against us. We just want to find out who it is. If anyone knows anything, then please tell the police.
“We are more alert now and we feel safe with the police outside the house.”
Firefighters were at the house for about an hour.
A police spokesman said an “accelerant” had been used and officers were investigating whether the fire was started deliberately. The exact cause has not yet been established.
Police are treating the Crime as arson with intent to endanger life. It is not the first time the family have been victims of crime. Their car was stolen around a month ago.
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
steven.thompson@ theboltonnews.co.uk
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