House with 90-year-old woman and child inside set on fire in ‘unthinkable’ arson attack

Police investigating ‘cowardly and senseless attack’

Firefighters from two counties were called out to tackle the fire (Getty)

A house has been set on fire while a 90-year-old woman and a child were inside.

Police said the arson attack could easily have killed three people at the house in Partington, near Manchester.

A rag soaked in petrol was posted through the letterbox at around 5.30am on Saturday, before more petrol was poured on the front door and set alight.

The 90-year-old woman was able to escape the house alongside a man, aged 38 and a nine-year-old boy.

Police said they were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Detective Constable Jane Naylor, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “This was a cowardly and senseless attack that could easily have led to loss of life.

“It’s unthinkable that someone would target a property in this way – let alone while a vulnerable elderly person and a child were inside.

“We are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4081, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.