Two people charged in connection with an arson attack at a house in Middleton

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A man from Rochdale and a woman from St Helens have been charged

Two people have been charged in connection with an arson attack at a house on Fairfield Road in Middleton on Wednesday (10 June 2020).

Ashley Mcarthur, 20, of Kildare Crescent, Rochdale has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life, Section 47 assault, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, use of a motor vehicle on a road without insurance and dangerous driving.

Kayleigh Dolan, 19, of Hollybank Street, St Helens has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Both were remanded in custody and appeared at Manchester & Salford Magistrates’ Court yesterday morning (Saturday 13 June 2020).

Detective Inspector Nicola Hopkinson, of GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “This was clearly a violent and targeted attack that left a man suffering from minor burn injuries. His clothing was set alight but thankfully he was able to act quickly and extinguish the flames to prevent more serious injuries.

“There were others present at the property at the time of attack, including young children, so clearly this incident could easily have resulted in devastating consequences.