Police hunt arsonists who torched businessman's van (From St Helens Star)

Police hunt arsonists who torched businessman's van

4:20pm Thursday 7th March 2013 in News

DETECTIVES are investigating after a van belonging to the owner of a car repairs centre was torched.

Andrew Blackburn was asleep upstairs in the home he shares with his wife and nine-year-old son in Nutgrove Hall Drive when he woke up to see an orange glow outside.

When he looked out he saw his Volkswagen transporter van, worth around £22,000, on fire.

Mr Blackburn, who owns Andy's VW Centre in Lingholme Road, St Helens called the fire service, who alerted police.

Detectives investigating the arson believe the offender or offenders threw something heavy containing a flammable liquid through the windscreen of the van, setting it alight.

The fire caused significant damage to the van but did not spread elsewhere.

Detective Constable Steve Kellet from St Helens CID, said: "This was a reckless and dangerous thing to do and we are doing all we can to trace the people responsible.

“The family were asleep in their beds at the time and the fire could have spread to the house and put them at risk. They are understandably very upset and worried.

“The police are supporting them and keeping them informed about the investigation.

"It is important that we establish why this has happened and who is responsible. I am keen to hear from anyone who has heard anything about this incident or anyone living in this area who saw anything suspicious on the night itself."

The arson attack happened at around midnight on Monday, February 18.

Call St Helens CID on 0151 777 1584 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.