Man soaked in flammable liquid and set alight on his doorstep in targeted attack, police say

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails

Please enter a valid email address

Please enter a valid email address

SIGN UP

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

A man was soaked in flammable liquid and set alight on his doorstep in a targeted attack, police believe.

The 48-year-old is in hospital in a critical but stable condition after suffering serious burns at his home in Skelmersdale, west Lancashire.

Officers have launched an attempted murder inquiry after they were called out in the early hours of Thursday morning.

"This is a horrific incident which has left a man in a very poorly condition in hospital," said Detective Chief Inspector Pauline Stables, who is leading the investigation. "We are carrying out a number of enquiries to try to identify those responsible.

"While we are trying to establish a motive for what has happened, we do believe that the incident was targeted and I would like to stress that I don't believe there is any threat to the wider community at this time.

"Someone out there knows who has done this and I would urge them to come forward and speak to us. Has a loved one come home acting suspiciously, smelling of smoke or petrol or with unexplained injuries?

"We need to find the people responsible for this dreadful crime."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting log 0068 of 26 September.

Press Association