Man, 51, is charged with arson after police officers were ‘doused with PETROL and a house was set on fire’
- A 51-year-old man has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life
- He is suspected of setting his home on fire in Fanworth, Bolton
- Police seeking to arrest him for suspected domestic violence
- An officer was hospitalised and treated by an eye specialist for chemical burns
A man has been charged with arson after his house was set on fire and police officers were allegedly doused with petrol.
The 51-year-old man is suspected of setting his home on fire while police broke into his house on Friday at 11pm in Farnworth, Bolton, for alleged domestic violence offences.
After allegedly setting fire to his doorway and attempting to barricade himself inside, he was eventually arrested.
Christian Smith, of Higher Market Street, Farnworth, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life, affray, actual bodily harm to a police officer, and harassment,Greater Manchester Police said.
A man 51, has been charged with arson after he allegedly set his house on fire
He has been remanded in custody and will appear before Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Monday December 14.
A police officer was taken to hospital and received treatment from an eye specialist for suspected chemical burns following the incident.
Greater Manchester Police said: ‘A 51 year old man has been arrested following an incident in Bolton where officers were doused with petrol and a property was set alight.
‘The suspect was safely detained and arrested on suspicion of malicious communications, breach of a restraining order, arson with intent to endanger life and assault on an emergency services worker.’
Police break into the house while flames burst out of the front door
He was detained after hospital treatment for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, of Greater Manchester Police, said: ‘This was a challenging situation which highlights the dangerous conditions our officers are often faced with when carrying out their duties to protect our community and those who are in need of our help.
An officer was hospitalised and treated by an eye specialist for suspected chemical burns but has since been discharged pending further assessment. Pictured: Officers outside the house
‘Every single day our officers are willing and prepared to do everything within their powers, including putting themselves in harm’s way, in order to protect our most vulnerable victims, including those of domestic violence.
‘I would like to commend the bravery of our officers and partners in this situation who managed to safely detain the suspect despite the challenges that were thrown in their direction.
‘One of our officers was taken to hospital with chemical burn injuries, and we are lucky that those injuries were not even more severe.
‘I only hope this footage that we are sharing today can give an insight to the public of the resilience and commitment of our officers to go the extra mile to protect vulnerable members of our communities.’