Suspected arson in Lord Street, Heywood

A fire on Lord Street, Heywood is suspected of being arson.

At about 4.00am today (Wednesday 17 June 2015) Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and police attended and discovered a shed was on fire at the back of a house.

A man and his 13-year-old son were inside the house at the time but fortunately nobody was hurt.

The shed was close to the house and there was damage caused to the back of the house.

Police have launched an investigation after it was confirmed the blaze was started deliberately.

Two boys, described as white and between 16 and 17-years-old, were seen running away towards the petrol station on Bury New Road.

Detective Constable Dan Daly of Rochdale division said: “Fortunately no-one was harmed by the fire, but it was a reckless act that put a man and his son at serious risk. If they hadn’t woken up and called the Fire Service, there could have been tragic consequences.

“If you saw two people acting suspiciously in the area, or have any information that could help our investigation, please contact police.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.