Arson attack at probation office - Wigan - 12-05-2008

A probation office has been severely damaged following an arson attack in
Wigan.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened on
Warrington Lane at about 9.50pm on Sunday 11 May 2008.

It is believed that two men forced their way into the premises with two
barrels of petrol and started the blaze.

Detective Sergeant Graham Rigby from Wigan CID said: "Fortunately no one
was injured as a result of this fire, however the building suffered
extensive damage.

"The office is opposite a block of flats called Brookhouse and I am keen
to speak to anyone that may have seen any suspicious activity around that
time to call us. Fire spreads very quickly and this attack could have been
a lot worse if it had got out of control.

"I am looking into the possibility that this incident could be linked to
another arson attack at the National Probation Service on Gloucester
Street in Atherton on Sunday 27 April 2008. On this occasion the offender
climbed over the fence between 8.15pm and 9.20pm, and set fire to three
vans in the car park."

Anyone with any information about either incident is asked to call Wigan
CID on 0161 856 5307 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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