Aughton man rescued from blaze after firework thrown into his home

Mar 21 2013 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

A MAN was rescued from a blaze after a firework exploded in his home in an arson attack.

Police have launched an investigation into the “targeted” strike on the home in Westhaven Crescent, Aughton, which took place at around 9.20pm on Tuesday.

A large stone is believed to have been used to smash through a ground-floor study window before an “industrial firework” was thrown inside.

It then exploded, causing significant damage to the study, its ceiling, and the living room. The offender fled from the scene.

Lancashire police said that a man in his 50s was asleep upstairs and as fire crews raced to the scene he was helped to safety by a neighbour and an off-duty fireman who lived in the same street.

Three fire engines attended after early reports had suggested that people may have been trapped inside.

But the one man who had been in the home was described as being shaken but unhurt. One of the engines remained on scene for about an hour to put out the flames.

A spokesman for Lancashire police confirmed that the blaze, which caused around £2,000 of damage, was being treated as arson and criminal damage but said there was no clear motive at this stage.

The remnants of the firework were taken away for forensic examination and house-to-house inquiries conducted by police revealed that the explosion had been heard from streets away.

DC Terrence McKibbin, of West Lancashire CID, said: “We are appealing for anyone who saw someone acting suspiciously, saw any vehicles in the area from around 9pm, or has any information about who is responsible to come forward.

“Substantial damage was caused and it could have had serious consequences had the person been in that room.”

Anyone with details can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.