House-fire probe

AN investigation has been launched after arsonists targeted an empty house on Oldham Edge.

Neighbouring homes were damaged by the blaze after the property in Cunningham Way was broken in to at 12am on Monday and a fire started.

Extensive structural damage was caused to the terraced house and homes on either side suffered water damage.

Det Con Sue Jones said: “It beggars belief that people would want to break into an empty house and set fire to it.

“This not a victimless crime; this house is somebody’s property and there is also the damage that has been caused to neighbours’ houses to take into account.

“We would urge anyone with any information to call us. We understand that this house may have been broken into a few times in recent months and information relating to these incidents may also be relevant.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161-856 8953 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555 111.