At 8:30pm last night (Wednesday 4 September), police and fire crews were called to reports of a fire at an address on Halifax Road in Rochdale.

Emergency services attended and five people, including three children, they had already fled the house by the time they arrived, and were later treated for injuries not thought to be life-threatening or life-changing.

Initial police enquires suggest the fire may have been started deliberately. An investigation has been launched into the suspected arson attack.

No arrests have been made and an investigation is underway. Det Insp Katie Buntine said it was a "disturbing incident" which placed the family at risk of serious harm.

She said: "This is a disturbing incident where a property has been targeted, placing a family and three young children at risk of serious harm.

"Our investigation is in the early stages, and we will remain at the scene today whilst we conduct further enquiries and to provide a visible reassurance to the community."

She appealed for the public’s help in identifying who was responsible and asked anyone with information to contact the force.

"This includes any relevant dashcam footage - it is a busy road with plenty of vehicles including taxis and buses, which may well have captured something," she said.

She added GMP was "committed to identifying those responsible for this reckless behaviour, which could have had devastating consequences for this family, and ensuring that they face justice."