A family in Bury has been left with nothing after a terrifying petrol bomb attack on their home, which a shaken mother believes was a deliberate attempt to murder her and her children.
'The House Is On Fire'
The blaze erupted in the early hours of Sunday, January 18, while the couple were asleep inside their property on South Terrace in the Redvales area. Homeowner Claire recounted how her husband was jolted awake by a loud noise at around 1:45 am.
"He jumped out of bed. I was asleep and confused at the time, and then I heard something myself," Claire told the Manchester Evening News. "He ran out of the room and said, 'The house is on fire'. We jumped out of the bed, got the dog out of the kitchen and ran straight outside."
Evidence of a Deliberate Attack
The fire had started in the dining room. Upon investigating, the couple found a smashed side window with a petrol can on the floor outside, confirming their fears that the incident was intentional and not an accident.
Their suspicions were further supported by neighbours, whose Ring doorbell camera had captured two people fleeing the scene. Firefighters battled the flames for hours, and the property remained cordoned off throughout Sunday as forensic officers in white suits conducted their investigation.
Devastating Aftermath and Community Response
While the fire did not spread throughout the entire house, every room has been left blackened by severe smoke damage. The family has been advised that nothing inside is likely salvageable.
"The thing that is most upsetting is that my kids have lost everything, and we can't replace it all," Claire said, adding her profound relief that her two children were not at home during the attack. "To think someone has done this, I believe they tried to kill me and my kids."
Local councillor Tamoor Tariq described the event as a 'targeted' and 'appalling and extremely dangerous' act in a social media post, noting the devastating impact on the family while expressing gratitude that all residents were safe.
In a further twist, it is reported that nearby camera footage also caught a culprit setting himself on fire during the incident. Greater Manchester Police and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have been approached for comment, but no formal statement has yet been issued.
