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Police hunt arsonist who petrol bombed Winton nursery


Police are appealing for witnesses after an arsonist threw petrol bombs at a nursery in Winton, Salford.

The fire caused nearly £20,000 of damage and has forced the school to close until 5 May 2015.

Around 11.40pm on Sunday 26 April 2015, a man approached Westwood Park Nursery School on Grasmere Crescent, Winton and entered the school grounds at the back of the premises.

After appearing to search around the outside of the school building, the offender smashed a window to one of the classrooms with a paving slab.

He then lit two petrol bombs and threw them, one by one, into the classroom before running off.

Read: Police probe suspected arson at Winton nursery

The offender is described as white and of very heavy build and was wearing dark clothing.

Detective Constable Paul Davies said: “The entire nursery has smoke damage, with toys, soft furnishings and a computer being damaged beyond repair.

“This fire has caused an awful lot of destruction and disruption, and the bill will likely run into the tens of thousands.

“This nursery cares for children with certain health needs and is the only one of its kind in the area, meaning that these poor children have been left without a school until the damage is repaired.

“I would like anyone who may have seen someone acting suspiciously in the area at the time to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5097 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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Tom is SalfordOnline.com's News Editor and community co-ordinator.