A house was targeted by an arsonist while a mother and her three children were inside.

Sometime between 10.30pm on Wednesday 10 April 2013, and 11.30am the following morning, an unknown lit object was pushed through the letterbox of a house on Nuffield Road.

A small fire caused damage to the letterbox, carpet and a curtain before burning out.

A 26-year-old woman, her baby and two other children, aged nine and six, were inside at the time.

Detective Constable Louise Moss, said: “While only minor damage was caused inside the property this fire was started deliberately while a mother and her three children were present.

“Had it taken hold the consequences of this arson could have been devastating and tragic and I would ask anyone who saw what happened, knows who is responsible or has any other information that may assist to call us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8284, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.