RESIDENTS were evacuated after an arson attack in Runcorn in the early hours of this morning.

A car and motorbike were set on fire on Parker Street at around 12.30am today, Monday.

The blaze ‘quickly spread’ and damaged a nearby house, with several people inside being evacuated as a precaution.

Neighbours were also evacuated, with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service remaining on the scene for around an hour-and-a-half.

All persons were accounted for.

Cheshire Police are appealing for information from members of the public, and are particularly keen to speak to anyone who saw ‘suspicious’ behaviour in the area surrounding Parker Street and Runcorn Old Town.

Detective constable Paul Cullen said: “The blaze caused significant damage to the motorbike and a house close by, and we believe it was started deliberately.

“A number of people were evacuated as a precaution and the consequences could have been far worse if they had not become aware of the fire.

“We have been following a number of lines of enquiry and are determined to identify those responsible and ensure they face the full consequences of their actions.

“I would encourage anyone with information to please get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number IML810089, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.