A PETROL bomber is believed to have targeted a family by mistake.

But the Dodd family of Holland Street, Radcliffe, had a lucky escape after the 4am attack on Friday.

"I can't think of anyone who has any grievances against us, so I can only assume it's a case of mistaken identity," said Mr Simon Dodd, 25.

His car, parked outside the family home, sustained £650 worth of damage after a petrol bomb was hurled at it.

A neighbour who heard the blast awoke Mr Dodd, and another neighbour contacted the fire service. "I could not believe it, it was incredible," said Mr Dodd, a computer engineer.

"Fortunately, the blazing petrol spilled out as the bottle was in flight.

"It splashed against our window-sill and the top of the car, and the burning rag caused some slight damage to the wall of the house opposite. But things could have been a lot worse."

Mr Dodd said his first concern was for the safety of his girlfriend Rachael and their three young children. But they slept through the drama undisturbed.

Two fire appliances from Whitefield arrived within minutes but the fire had virtually burned itself out.

Det Insp Keith Dillon of Whitefield Police said: "It would appear that whoever was responsible got the wrong house. The bottle was too badly shattered for forensic examination but it was almost certainly a petrol bomb."

He added: "We would ask anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious to call the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111 or Bury's Crime Management Unit on 856 8149."

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