26 October 2024 , 19:38
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A home burst into flames after fireworks were hurled into a garden by a bunch of youths.
The large blaze quickly spread on Whittle Grove, Bolton, on October 19, while a family were sitting inside watching TV.
Police and the fire and rescue service were called to the scene following reports of anti-social behaviour.
A dad, who wished to remain anonymous, described how his family had been left petrified by the attack.
He said: ‘I was watching telly in the living room and one of our neighbours came banging on our door..
‘He said “your back garden’s on fire”. I turned around barefoot and ran to the back, the flames were as high as the house.
‘I got a hosepipe and started hosing the fire before the fire brigade got there. It was like an inferno, our next door neighbour’s garden went up as well.
‘It’s outrageous what an accident can cause. I was sat there watching Saturday night telly with a beer. It was scary, and we shouldn’t have to live like that.’
He posted a video of the youths to social media in a bid to highlight the dangers of fireworks.
It shows them walking through the neighbourhood before they light up the fireworks.
A bang is then heard before the clip cuts to neighbours hailing the fire brigade and pointing them to the home.
The dad added: ‘I’m frustrated now because my family is petrified. I don’t want to do anything to the children I just want to make them aware how dangerous it is with Halloween and bonfire night around the corner.
‘I want to spread a message to other teenagers, or adults who mess about with fireworks to be a bit safer.’
The group of youths were captured on CCTV (Picture: MEN Media)
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: ‘At around 8.15pm on October 19, we responded to reports of anti-social behaviour and a fire on Whittle Grove, Bolton. Thankfully, no one was hurt during the incident.
‘If anyone has any information, please contact 101, quoting log 3096 of 19/10/24.’