'Reports males threw lit firework' Blaze which tore through couple's Clayton Brook home suspected to be arson
A fire which gutted couple’s Clayton Brook home on Saturday is being treated as arson, police have confirmed, after reports a lit firework was thrown into the garden.
“It was reported that two males threw a lit firework into the back garden of a property.”
Police have launched an arson investigation after a fire which tire through a couple’s Clayton Brook home, destroying 40 years of memories.
Couple Annette Wallace, 63, partner John and their two Staffordshire Bull Terriers Kiko and Enzo, were lucky to escape safely when the fire tore through their house in Clayton Brook - thanks to their dogs barking .
Now they are facing the ‘devastating’ reality of losing 40 years of memories with family pictures and memorabilia burned.
Annette and John were watching television at their Places for People home in Woodfield when the fire started. It ripped through the inside of her home of 40 years with Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service spending several hours first fighting the fire and then extracting the smoke from the property.
Two fire engines from Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service attended the scene of the fire following an emergency call at 7.49pm on Saturday. They used breathing apparatus and one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.
In an update, spokesperson for Lancashire Constabulary said: “At 8:57pm on Saturday 7th November we were called by the fire service to reports of an arson on Woodfield, Clayton Brook.
“It was reported that two males threw a lit firework into the back garden of a property. Emergency services, including our offices, attended to find a fence on fire. Our colleagues at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) put the fire out.
“Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. An investigation is underway and enquiries are ongoing.
“If you witnessed this incident, have any CCTV/dashcam/doorbell footage, or feel you can help us in our enquiries in any way at all, please call 101 quoting log 1318 of 7th November.”
A spokesperson for the fire service added: “The fire is believed to have been caused by a firework; however, police investigations remain ongoing and the circumstances have not yet been confirmed.”
A spokesperson for Places for People said: “We are really saddened by this devastating incident and our thoughts are very much with the couple at what must be an incredibly difficult and distressing time.
“We’re in close contact with them and doing everything we can to provide immediate support, including temporary accommodation and longer-term housing options, as well as additional financial assistance. We will continue to work closely with them to make sure they have the support they need.”