In the quiet early hours of September 6, 2025, a mother and her young child were jolted awake by the piercing sound of their car’s alarm on Cleggswood Avenue in Littleborough, Greater Manchester. What began as a routine night quickly escalated into a harrowing ordeal, as a deliberately set fire consumed their vehicle and rapidly spread to the front of their home. With little time to spare, the mother gathered her child and their pets, fleeing into the night as flames threatened to engulf everything they owned.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), officers responded to reports of a vehicle fire at approximately 1:15am. The incident, which has been described by police as a “terrifying and deliberate attack,” left the family safe but deeply shaken. The swift response of the car’s alarm is credited with saving their lives, alerting them to the danger just in time to escape. “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,” said Detective Constable Mel Jeffery of GMP’s Rochdale division, as reported by multiple local outlets.
For the mother and her child, the trauma of that night is still fresh. DC Jeffery emphasized the emotional toll, stating, “The trauma they’ve experienced is unimaginable. They are safe, but shaken and deeply affected by what happened.” The incident, which unfolded while the family slept, has left the community on edge, but authorities are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.
Shortly after the blaze, police arrested a 42-year-old man on suspicion of stalking and conspiracy to commit arson. The suspect was later bailed pending further inquiries, as the investigation continues to unfold. GMP has made it clear that they believe this was a targeted attack, rather than a random act of violence. “We believe this was a targeted incident, and while there is no wider threat to the public, we are determined to find those responsible,” DC Jeffery stated.
The deliberate nature of the fire has intensified the police response. Investigators have released an image of a car they are eager to identify, hoping that information about the vehicle or its occupants could be crucial in solving the case. The car in question is said to have approached from the direction of Hollingworth Road and departed the same way, with authorities suspecting it may have traveled further afield into Lancashire and West Yorkshire.
Police are appealing to the public for assistance, urging anyone who lives or works in the area to review their CCTV, doorbell footage, or dashcam recordings from around the time of the incident. “Even the smallest detail could be the missing piece we need,” DC Jeffery implored. The force has asked anyone with information to contact them via the non-emergency number 101 or through their live chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 205 of 06/09/25. For those wishing to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be reached at 0800 555 111.
The incident has sent ripples of concern through the tight-knit community of Littleborough. Residents are grappling with the unsettling reality that a family in their midst was the target of such a dangerous act. For many, the event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and support. Local neighbors have expressed sympathy for the victims, with some sharing their own worries about safety in the wake of the attack.
While Greater Manchester Police have reassured the public that there is no broader threat, the case underscores the seriousness with which authorities treat arson and stalking offenses. Both crimes carry significant penalties under UK law, reflecting the potential for devastating consequences. In this instance, the quick-thinking response of the mother and the timely warning provided by the car alarm prevented what could have been a far more tragic outcome.
Detective Constable Jeffery’s words have resonated with many: “This was a terrifying and deliberate attack that could have ended in tragedy.” The sense of urgency in her appeal is palpable, as investigators continue to comb through evidence and follow leads. The release of the car’s image is a key part of the investigation, with police hoping that someone in the community will recognize the vehicle or recall seeing it in the area during the critical time frame.
For the family at the center of the ordeal, the road to recovery will undoubtedly be long. The emotional scars left by such a traumatic event can linger, affecting not only the immediate victims but also those around them. Support services for victims of crime, including counseling and practical assistance, are available through local agencies and victim support organizations. GMP has indicated that the welfare of the mother and child remains a priority as the investigation progresses.
As detectives work to piece together the events leading up to the fire, the case has highlighted the vital role that community cooperation plays in solving crimes. CCTV and dashcam footage have become increasingly important tools for law enforcement, often providing the crucial evidence needed to identify suspects and reconstruct timelines. GMP’s appeal for footage from residents and business owners reflects this shift in investigative strategy, leveraging technology and community engagement to enhance public safety.
While the investigation is ongoing, the police have reiterated their commitment to bringing those responsible to justice. “We are determined to find those responsible,” DC Jeffery reaffirmed, emphasizing that the search for answers continues. The hope is that with the community’s help, the perpetrators will be identified and held accountable for their actions.
For now, the family is safe, thanks in no small part to the vigilance of technology and the quick response of emergency services. Their ordeal serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can arise, even in the most familiar settings. As the investigation moves forward, Greater Manchester Police remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice, urging anyone with information—no matter how minor it may seem—to come forward and help ensure that such an incident does not happen again.
In the aftermath of this targeted attack, Littleborough’s residents are left to reflect on a night that could have ended in tragedy but, through a combination of luck, technology, and rapid action, did not. The search for answers continues, and with the community’s support, authorities are optimistic that justice will prevail.
