Appeal following targeted incidents in Kirkby

Detectives are appealing for information following three incidents targeted at a house in Kirkby.

The three incidents took place on 6 and 21 September last year, followed by a further report on Saturday 20 January where a house on Millbrook Drive was targeted with the property having been unoccupied for a significant period of time.

The first incident was at around 10.20am on Wednesday 6 September where a grenade was found outside a property and residents had to be evacuated as a precaution. The grenade was safely detonated.

A further two incidents occurred at around 9.45pm on Thursday 21 September and Saturday 20 January where two males were seen setting fire to the house. No one was injured and there was slight damage to the property.

It was reported that two males were seen on a motorbike when the arson attack took place in January. They were both dressed in black with their faces covered, and the motorbike made off towards Hall Lane.

Extensive CCTV and witness enquiries have been conducted, and detectives are continuing to appeal for information.

Detective Inspector Jimmy Rotheram said: “Enquiries into the three incidents are continuing so we can bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We believe this to be a targeted attack on the address, even though the house is unoccupied.

“However, I must stress that on all three occasions the offenders put lives at risk from their dangerous acts. Residents were put under threat and they had to be evacuated from their homes as the grenade could have gone off, and the fire could have spread to neighbouring homes.

“Thankfully no one was injured from any of the attacks but we need to find the perpetrators so they cannot do any further harm in our communities.”

Detective Inspector Rotheram added: “We have made extensive enquiries by speaking to witnesses and exploring all CCTV opportunities in the area, and our investigation continues.

“I urge anyone who saw two males acting suspicious in the area of Millbrook Drive at around 9.30pm onwards on Saturday 20 January who we have not already spoken to then contact police. In addition if you have information in relation to the earlier incidents to please come forward.”
 
Anyone with information on this incident, or who might have CCTV or dashcam that could assist our investigation, is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting reference 24000094557 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.