PETROL was poured through the letterbox of a house in Widnes and it was then torched in an arson attack.

The fire destroyed the front door of the property on Arley Drive in Hough Green and caused extensive smoke damage before being extinguished by firefighters.

The incident happened at around midnight on Thursday, July 5.

Detective Sergeant Henderson Pierre said: “The crime of arson is extremely dangerous – people can die as a result of fires being started deliberately.

“Thankfully in this instance no-one was at home at the time of the fire and it was extinguished before it could spread beyond the front door thanks to the intervention of neighbours and the work of Cheshire firefighters.

“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and we want to hear from anyone who saw the fire being started or anything suspicious in the area.

“Four males were seen in the area at the time the fire started. We are particularly keen to speak to them or anyone who thinks they saw them or may know who they are.

"If you have any information that may help with our investigation, no matter how small, call the police."

Detectives are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone with information should call the police on 101, quoting incident number 114800, give us the details via https://cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”