Wigan's probation service could be the target of arsonists with a grudge.
Police are investigating whether an arson attack which destroyed a Wigan probation office is linked to a similar attack on three probation vans.
Thousands of pounds of damage was caused to the Brookhouse Centre, Scholes, on Sunday after two men br
oke in with two five gallon petrol drums before setting it on fire.
Around 500 offenders a year use the premises to meet-up before carrying out unpaid work.
It is not the first attack suffered by the National Probation Service this year.
In April three vans were set on fire at the service's Atherton office.
Det Sgt Graham Rigby from Wigan CID, said: "The office is opposite a block of flats called Brookhouse and I am keen to speak to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around that time to call us.
"I am looking into the possibility that this incident could be linked to another arson attack at the National Probation Service on Gloucester Street in Atherton on Sunday April 27.
"On this occasion the offender climbed over the fence between 8.15pm and 9.20pm, and set fire to three vans in the car park."
Offenders turning up on Monday to carry out their unpaid work were turned away and it is thought the probation service will now operate the service from the Atherton office.
Derek Brierley, Area Manager for Unpaid Work, said: "We have limited access to the building because it's a crime scene.
"Once we've had a proper look at it we will be able to assess what to do next.
"The worst case scenario is that we will have to move the operation to another premises."
It is believed that two men forced their way into the premises with two barrels of petrol and started the blaze.
As part of their community service offenders cook dinners for between 30 and 40 of the borough's pensioners each day as part of an OAPs luncheon at Brookhouse Centre.
St Pat's Social Club, Wellington Street has stepped in and will hold the dinners there in the short term.
Ince councillor Joan Hurst said: "These people rely on this meal every day. It's vital we keep it going."
Anyone with any information about the incidents can call Wigan CID on 0161 856 5307 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The full article contains 401 words and appears in Wigan Evening Post newspaper.
