Detectives appeal for information following arsons in Wirral

Detectives are appealing for information following two arsons in Tranmere and Higher Bebington last night, Thursday 23 November.
 
Just before 10.40pm, Merseyside Fire and Rescue (MFRS) and our officers were called to a home on Tower Hill to reports of a petrol bomb being thrown at the address and gutters being set on fire.  The flames extinguished before the arrival of MFRS.
 
No injuries were caused and forensic and witness enquiries are ongoing.

Just after midnight, emergency services were also called to a home on Rosalind Avenue where a second petrol bomb was thrown at an address. 

CCTV footage from the area showed that a man was potentially injured during the incident. Officers are currently searching for him and two male suspects on electric bikes who were seen riding away from the incident on Tower Hill. 
 
Detective Inspector Emma Kerrigan said: “We believe that the incident in Tower Hill and Rosalind Avenue were a case of mistaken identity, and the occupants are being supported by officers as we look to find who was responsible. 

“At present we believe these incidents are linked and are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard any suspicious behaviour last night or has CCTV or doorbell footage which could assist our enquiries.
 
“For someone to endanger lives in such a reckless way is absolutely despicable, and we are keen to hear from anyone who saw the two males on bikes in the area at around 10.40pm last night or anyone else acting suspiciously. 
 
“If you live locally and have home CCTV, dashcam or doorbell devices, please check these as any detail may be pivotal in our investigation, as well as any information to identify those involved.

Chief Inspector Duncan Swan added: “We want to reassure the public that we have robust measures in place to disrupt these criminals and take them off the streets. Officers will be on patrol this weekend to provide reassurance to members of the public and to relentlessly pursue criminals. Merseyside Police pro-actively investigates anyone involved in serious organized crime. We want to send them a clear message that we will not tolerate any behaviour that brings fear and harm to our communities. 

“Yesterday Officers from EVOLVE Wirral, part of our multi-agency partnership to address issues in areas of Merseyside most affected by incidents of serious and organised crime, executed five warrants and seized around £8,000 cash, two stolen e-bikes, heroin, cannabis, crack cocaine and cocaine. 

“A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug offences, two crossbows and two air weapons were also seized. I hope these actions show how committed we are in removing any weapons and making areas toxic to those involved in serious organised crime groups.

“Communities need to take a stand and help us to make the streets safer. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call Merseyside Police as soon as possible.” 
Please call 101 or contact the social media desk on X @MerPolCC or Facebook at ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with reference 23001180657.