Appeal after two cars set alight in Haydock

We are appealing for information after two cars were set on fire in Haydock on Christmas Eve (Monday 24 December 2018).

A report was received just after 8.55pm that a grey VW van was on fire outside the Owl's Nest Hotel on West End Road.

A further report was received that a red Mercedes A200 had been set on fire on Sumner Road outside Blackbrook Working Mens Club minutes earlier.

It was reported two males on a moped were seen setting each vehicle alight before making off on the moped.

Witnesses have been spoken to, CCTV opportunities are being explored and enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Inspector Steve Ball said: "We believe the incidents are linked and were targeted attacks against the owners of the vehicles.

"It is extremely reckless to set fire to a vehicle in a public place. While no-one was hurt in these incidents, the danger posed by a burning vehicle is clear – any fire has the capability to cause loss of life and significant damage to homes and property.

"We urge anyone with any information about this incident to call us so we can take action against the offender or offenders. If you passed either location in your car shortly before or after the incidents, we would ask you to check dashcam footage for anything suspicious and particularly two males on a moped."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 18400075862 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.