House with children inside targeted in 'shocking and reckless' arson attack

Police have launched an appeal following an arson attack at a home in Kirkdale. At around 10pm on Saturday, November 23, Merseyside Police were called to reports a man poured an accelerant through the letterbox and onto the front door of a house on Smith Street before setting it alight.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene, however the fire was out when they arrived. The suspect fled the scene on foot down Leison Street along with another two men.

There were several occupants inside the home at the time, including children. A police investigation is ongoing into the incident.

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Detective Inspector Steve Street said: “This was a shocking and reckless attack on a home that had children inside. It could have had far worse consequences and it’s only by sheer luck that nobody was seriously injured.

"There were vehicles travelling past the house at the time of the incident, so if you saw anything or captured anything on dashcam, please come forward. We know the community will be rightly shocked by what happened and we are determined to find the people responsible

“We are carrying out a number of lines of enquiry, but I would ask for anyone who knows anything to contact us as a matter of urgency. If you live in the area and have CCTV cameras please review your footage and come forward if you captured anything.”

Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 24000992171.