Car theft followed assault

POLICE are investigating an assault linked to the theft of a Jaguar car from an address in Springhead, which was later set alight on the outskirts of Oldham.

The owner of the Jaguar was assaulted before the car was driven to Coal Pit Lane, off Ashton Road, and attempts were made to set it on fire, according to firefighters.

Hollins firefighters were called to Coal Pit Lane at 4am on Sunday where a passer-by had stemmed the car blaze before it had destroyed the vehicle. Damage was limited to a seat and the dashboard.

But a Hollins Fire Station spokesman said they had passed the details to the police, saying the case appeared to be an aggravated burglary. Investigations are ongoing.