In the quiet early hours of September 6, 2025, a mother and her young child found themselves at the center of a harrowing ordeal on Cleggswood Avenue in Littleborough, Rochdale. The family, including their pets, narrowly escaped what police have described as a "terrifying and deliberate" arson attack that could easily have ended in tragedy, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
It was just after 1:15am when officers responded to reports of a car ablaze on the driveway of the family’s home. As flames licked up the vehicle and spread rapidly to the front of the house, the mother and child—both asleep at the time—were jolted awake by the piercing sound of their car’s alarm. That alarm, police say, was the difference between life and death, alerting the sleeping family to the danger outside their door.
Miraculously, the mother, child, and their pets managed to escape the property unscathed, but the emotional scars left by the incident are profound. Detective Constable Mel Jeffery, of GMP’s Rochdale division, summed up the ordeal: "This was a terrifying and deliberate attack that could have ended in tragedy. A mother and her young child were asleep in their home when their car was set alight on the driveway, just outside the front door. The flames quickly spread to the front of the house, and it was only thanks to the car’s alarm that they were able to escape safely with their pets. The trauma they’ve experienced is unimaginable. They are safe, but shaken and deeply affected by what happened."
Authorities wasted no time launching an investigation. Within hours, a 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of stalking and conspiracy to commit arson. He was later released on bail pending further inquiries, as detectives work to piece together the events of that night and bring those responsible to justice.
As the investigation unfolded, GMP released CCTV images of a car believed to be linked to the attack. Detectives want to identify and speak with the owner or occupants of this vehicle, which is thought to have come from the direction of Hollingworth Road and left the area the same way. There is speculation that the vehicle may have traveled onward to Lancashire or West Yorkshire, broadening the scope of the search.
The police are urging the local community to play a part in the investigation. DC Jeffery made a direct appeal: "We believe this was a targeted incident, and while there is no wider threat to the public, we are determined to find those responsible. I’m urging anyone who lives or works in the area to check their CCTV, doorbell footage, or dashcam recordings from around the time of the incident on September 6. Even the smallest detail could be the missing piece we need."
Residents and business owners in the vicinity of Cleggswood Avenue have been asked to review any footage they may have from that night. Police believe that even seemingly insignificant details—a car passing by, unusual activity, or a fleeting shadow—could help crack the case wide open. For those who may have seen or heard anything out of the ordinary, or who possess information that might aid the investigation, GMP has provided several avenues to get in touch. Information can be reported by calling police via 101 or using the force’s Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 205 of 06/09/25. For those wishing to remain anonymous, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted at 0800 555 111.
The incident has left the local community rattled. While police have reassured residents that there is no broader threat to public safety, the targeted nature of the attack has sparked concern and sympathy for the family involved. "The trauma they’ve experienced is unimaginable. They are safe, but shaken and deeply affected by what happened," repeated DC Jeffery, emphasizing the emotional toll such an event can take, even when there are no physical injuries.
For the mother and child, the events of that night have upended their sense of security. Friends and neighbors have rallied around the family, offering support and expressing relief that the alarm system functioned as intended. The quick response by emergency services also played a crucial role, containing the blaze before it could consume the entire property or spread to neighboring homes.
The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives poring over CCTV footage and following up on leads. The release of the vehicle’s image is a key part of the police strategy, as they believe identifying the car—and, by extension, its occupants—could be vital to solving the case. The fact that the car traveled from and returned to the Hollingworth Road direction suggests the perpetrator was familiar with the area, and possibly with the family themselves.
Stalking and arson are both serious crimes, carrying significant penalties under UK law. The combination of the two, as alleged in this case, raises troubling questions about motive and intent. Was the attack meant as a warning, an act of revenge, or something else entirely? Until more information comes to light, those questions remain unanswered, but police have expressed their determination to pursue every lead.
The incident also highlights the importance of home security measures, such as car alarms and surveillance cameras. In this case, the car alarm’s shrill warning almost certainly saved lives. It’s a sobering reminder that such devices, often taken for granted, can make all the difference in an emergency.
GMP’s appeal for information remains active, and officers continue to canvass the area, speaking with residents and reviewing available footage. The hope is that someone, somewhere, saw or heard something that will help bring closure to the family and ensure those responsible are held to account.
As the investigation presses on, the family is left to pick up the pieces and rebuild their sense of safety. The community’s response has been one of solidarity and vigilance, with many residents checking their own security systems and looking out for one another.
For now, the story serves as a stark reminder of the impact of targeted crime and the resilience of those who survive it. The mother and child, though shaken, are safe—a small mercy after a night that could have ended so differently.
