Family living in fear after arson attack

Mahmood Rashid: “My wife and children are in fear just in case somebody comes back again”

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A FATHER of seven claims his wife and children are living in fear after an arson attack destroyed a car belonging to one of his sons.

A black Mini Cooper in Windsor Road, Coppice, was targeted at around 4am on Monday. CCTV footage outside Mahmood Rashid’s house, shows a bright flame and two hooded figures running away. They left behind a knuckle-duster and a bottle of petrol.

Mr Rashid, who owns Mamzy’s News/Off licence in Werneth Hall Road, was in bed asleep, as were four of his children. His wife, Saira Khan, was away on holiday with their three younger daughters.

He said: “I heard a couple of bangs. I thought somebody was in the house. It sounded a bit like gunshots. I couldn’t hear more noise so I lay back down. Next thing I know the car alarm goes off.

“I jumped out of bed. I pulled the curtains back and saw nothing but flames.”

He then woke up his children and told them what had happened and dialled 999, but a neighbour had already alerted the emergency services. Police and a fire crew from Hollins attended. The car engine was destroyed in the attack.

He doesn’t know of anyone with a vendetta against him or his family, and said his children stayed out of trouble.

He first put up the CCTV camera around four or five years ago as a safety precaution, after hearing about robberies in the area. He added: “My son said he’s gutted. Absolutely gutted.”

Police inquiries are continuing.

Mr Rashid added: “My wife and children are in fear just in case somebody comes back again.”

twitter: @IramRamzanOC