Couple in lucky escape after arsonist set fire to their Middleton flat

A couple had a lucky escape after an arsonist set fire to their flat.

At about 11.20pm on Tuesday 16 September 2014, the couple, both 26, noticed a glow coming through the blinds of their ground floor flat on Rosemount, Middleton.

Realising it was a fire they called Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, who attended and put out the blaze.

It has been confirmed that an accelerant was used to start the fire on the window sill.

Detective Constable Nick Price, said: “It is only by a fortunate set of circumstances that this fire did not really take hold and cause significant damage and possibly loss of life.

“Had the couple been in bed at the time and therefore not alerted to the fire, there is every chance this could have had a tragic outcome.

“To deliberately set a fire and knowingly put the life of another person at risk is incomprehensible to most people and I would urge anyone with information about the person responsible for this reckless act to call us.”

Any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8577 or 0161 856 8701 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.