Truck torched in Middleton

Police are appealing for witnesses after a flat back truck was torched in Middleton.

Officers were alerted to the fire on Dixon Street at around 1:40am on Sunday 19 August 2018.

The blaze caused extensive damage to the truck and also a nearby house on the street.

The damage to the house was so significant that the woman living there had to be rehoused as a result.

The heat from the fire melted the covering for the gas meter which is directly connected to the gas main for the street.

Detective Constable Lee Worswick, of GMP’s Rochdale Borough, said: “This reckless incident could have had catastrophic consequences had the fire continued to spread and ignited the gas main. It goes without saying that would have put numerous lives in serious danger.

“Thankfully that didn’t happen but it still doesn’t reduce the severity of this incident and we are keen to speak to anyone who may have information that can assist us.

“If you believe that you can help us with our investigation then I would urge you to please contact police as a matter of urgency so that we can find the person responsible.”

Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 8441, quoting incident number 244 of 19 August 2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.