Nine people have been arrested following a spate of arson attacks that saw homes and a car set alight in one single hour of violence and destruction.
The arson attacks, which occurred across Great Lever and Farnworth between 12am-1am on April 16, are understood to have been the result of a dispute between a drugs gang in the area.
The Manchester Evening News has learned that although the catalyst for the string of 'targeted' and 'linked' incidents is still unclear, it centered around an organised crime gang with an 'ongoing feud'.
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There have since been nine arrests in connection with the 'reckless' incidents which police believe to be targeted. Nobody was injured in any of the attacks.
It was quickly established that a number of homes were directly targeted along with a vehicle that the offenders used to transport themselves to and from each property. That same vehicle was then deliberately torched in a bid to eradicate any forensic evidence.
It is also understood that inside some of the homes attacked were families who were sleeping. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News previously, Mohammed Ayub, a councillor in Great Lever, said the feud came about following a split in a gang based across Farnworth and Great Lever and that had the blazes spread, the occupants inside 'wouldn't have stood a chance'.
A number of police scenes were in place across Great Lever and Daubhill following the six arson attacks in the immediate aftermath and throughout the following day on Plodder Lane, Green Lane, Crescent Road and Howcroft Street.
Previously, Greater Manchester Police stressed that gang crime is not typically prevalent in the surrounding area but following the seriousness and recklessness of the attacks, are continuing to appeal for members of the community, many of whom will hold vital information and intelligence, to report it immediately.
It is not thought there is any direct threat to members of the public. Enquiries are ongoing at this stage and officers are continuing to 'pursue all relevant evidence and leads'.
In a new update, Detective Inspector Ruth Atherton, of GMP’s Bolton division, said: “I am aware that these incidents have caused concern in the community and I want the public to know that we are working around-the-clock to establish the exact circumstances.
“While the nature of the attacks were reckless, we believe that they were targeted and are not indiscriminate. Of course, people may naturally be concerned about these attacks and our officers will do what they can to help you.
"If anyone witnessed anything or have any information - whether it's big or small - we ask that they talk to our officers. This could be something you've heard or seen, or doorbell, dashcam, and CCTV footage."
Anyone with any information or footage of the incident can contact officers on 0161 856 5757 or 101 quoting log 3979 0f 15/04/2023. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.
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