Masked men hunted after homes targeted in arson attacks

Police are investigating after two homes were targeted in arson attacks in Wirral. Merseyside Police were called at 9.35pm last night, Tuesday, November 26, following reports the door of a house on Fender Way in Birkenhead had been set alight.

Two men, described as wearing grey tracksuits with the hoods up, were seen in the area at the time. The occupier of the house was at home but was not injured. Shortly before midnight, police received another report that a combustible liquid had been put through the letter box of a house on Gladstone Road, in Seacombe.

There was nobody in the house at the time. Two men, both wearing balaclavas, were seen in the area and it is believed one of the men may have suffered injuries to his hands.

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There is no indication at this stage that the incidents are linked, police say. High visibility patrols have been stepped up in the local area and people are encouraged to speak to officers if they have any concerns.

Detective Inspector Sarah Wilkinson said: “We are carrying out a number of lines of enquiry, viewing CCTV and speaking to witnesses to establish the identity of those responsible for both these incidents. Thankfully nobody was injured but reckless acts like this have the potential to have serious if not fatal consequences.

“I understand that incidents such as this cause concern among our communities but I want to people to feel reassured that we are doing everything we can to investigate and I would encourage anyone who has information which could assist with our enquiries to contact us as a matter of urgency.

“Information from people living locally, including CCTV or doorbell camera footage, is often key in assisting with our enquiries, capturing offenders and bringing them to justice.” Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 2400100682 or 24001000843.