Garage 'arson' led to homes evacuated (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Garage 'arson' led to homes evacuated

12:00am Thursday 2nd August 2012 in Chorley

Police are seeking information after a suspected arson in a garage in Chorley.

The incident happened on Friday, June 15, between 3am and 4am in Alker Street.

Police believe a man entered the garage and deliberately started the fire.

The noise caused by the blaze alerted a neighbour who went to investigate and asked the man what he was doing, to which he replied that he was trying to put the fire out.

The neighbour could see that the fire was getting out of control so went back home to call the fire service.

As the neighbour came back out of his house he saw this man walking off towards Gillibrand Street in Chorley and then out of sight, not to be seen again.

The fire service extinguished the blaze.

However, several nearby residents had to evacuate their homes , some suffering from smoke inhalation, including a family with young children.

Detective sergeant John Roy, from Chorley CID, said: “Luckily nobody was seriously injured but things could have been much worse had it not been for the speedy reactions of the neighbour and the fire service.

“Enquiries are still ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who has any information in relation to this investigation to please contact the police.

“I am obviously keen to track this man down and if any knows who he is then I would urge them to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Chorley CID on 101.

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