A SYRIAN refugee family who were left homeless after being the target of an arson attack have been rehomed.

The family, which included a heavily pregnant mum and three children under five-years-old, were removed from their home on Park Avenue in Haydock in the early hours of Sunday, November 12 – after a neighbour’s fire alarm alerted them.

Two adults and three children were removed from the house by emergency services, suffering smoke inhalation.

The family, who have been staying in a hotel since the incident, have today been rehomed elsewhere in the borough after St Helens Council and partners, including the charity Refugee Action, worked to find them suitable accommodation.

St Helens Council leader Barrie Grunewald said: "We were all sickened to hear of this disgusting attack on a Syrian family who came to St Helens seeking protection after fleeing conflict in their home country.

“The wellbeing of this young family was of the utmost importance and I’m pleased to hear that such swift action was taken to ensure their safety, and that they have now been resettled.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the staff involved in rehoming the family for showing so much care and compassion – and of course to the local community and neighbours who came out in force to help by collecting donations.”

Two of the family’s neighbours, Kerry Hunter and Debbie Morris have started an appeal for cash, clothing and items to help the family.

If anyone has any information in relation to the attack, I would urge them to contact Merseyside Police on 101, quoting the Crime Reference Number 0517289293, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.