Early hours terror hit england/england/littleborough/”>littleborough/”>Littleborough on September 6 when a family’s car was deliberately torched on their driveway. Flames quickly spread to their home, but a car alarm sounded just in time to save a mother, her young child, and their pets.

Targeted Arson Sparks Police Hunt

The blaze broke out around 1:15 AM on Cleggswood Avenue. Detective Constable Mel Jeffery from Rochdale police called the attack “terrifying” and said it “could have ended in tragedy.”

“A mother and her young child were asleep in their home when their car was set alight on the driveway, just outside the front door,” said DC Jeffery. “The flames quickly spread to the front of the house, and it was only thanks to the car’s alarm that they were able to escape safely with their pets.”

“While the family is safe, they are shaken and deeply affected by what happened, having experienced unimaginable trauma.”

Police Search for Key Witnesses and Suspect

Officers believe the incident was targeted. They’re appealing for info on a vehicle spotted arriving from Hollingworth Road just before the fire and leaving soon after. Police want to speak to the vehicle’s owner or occupants, who may hold vital clues.

A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of stalking and conspiracy to commit arson following the attack. He has been bailed pending further investigation.

“We believe this was a targeted incident, and while there is no wider threat to the public, we are determined to find those responsible,” added DC Jeffery.

Have You Seen Anything? Police Urge Locals to Check Footage

Police want anyone living or working nearby to review CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage from the early morning of September 6. “Even the smallest detail could be the missing Piecepiece,” DC Jeffery stressed.

If you have any info, contact police on 101 or via the GMP Live Chat, quoting log 205 of 06/09/25. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.