A serial arsonist believed to be behind three Sunday morning attacks in Accrington is thought to have struck again.
Police say they believe the same person is responsible after a window was smashed and a flammable liquid poured into a vacant property in Marsden Street and set alight on Sunday, January 11 at around 9.30am.
Community leaders say the arson attacks have struck fear into the heart of the community.
Police say they are working on the basis that the same person was behind all four incidents.
Detective Inspector Eric Halford, of Blackburn CID, said the offences are being taken ‘very seriously’ as they posed a ‘legitimate danger to life’.
He said: “Fortunately in this latest incident the house was unoccupied and the fire was extinguished without having caused any serious damage to the property.
“As part of our investigations we are looking into any links with the three previous arsons.
“I would urge anyone with information about the offences to get in touch as soon as possible and to help us find whoever is responsible.”
The first arson happened at around 7.20am on December 21 when a small fire was set underneath a vehicle on Avenue Parade.
The second incident happened at around 6.35am on December 28 when accelerant was poured through the letterbox of an address on Manor Street and set on fire.
The third took place at around 8.25am on Sunday, January 4 when accelerant was again poured through a house letterbox on Lodge Street before being set alight.
Officers are still keen to trace a man who was seen around the time of the Sunday, January 4 incident.
He is described as white, in his late 20s to early 30s, of medium build with cropped or shaven hair, which is dark in colour. He is believed to have been wearing a blue hooded top.
CCTV footage in the Manor Street area around the time of the December 28 incident also captured another man that detectives would like to speak to.
He is wearing what appears to be a very dark hooded top and is carrying a white carrier bag.
Contact Lancashire Police on 101.
