Police probe arson attack on Wigan borough home as fire chief says smoke alarms may have saved lives

Fire crews were called to a mid-terraced home in Maple Crescent, Leigh, at 1am on Saturday September 19 to find its front door ablaze.

It was reported there were people trapped inside and so they broke down the door and went in with breathing apparatus to search the house.

Thankfully it was empty and the flames themselves were swiftly doused.

The house was smoke-logged though and the two crews from Leigh and one from Atherton used specialist machinery to ventilate it.

And it was the smoke alarms in the addresses either side which led to rapid response.

Leigh crew commander Rob Grundy said: “We got there quickly because smoke alarms were working in the neighbouring properties and so potentially saved lives of people who were asleep at the time."

Police are asking anyone with information to ring 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.