Stephen Archer wanted after woman left critical in house fire in Newton Heath

Granada
Newton Heath
Manchester
Monday 29 February 2016 at 5:00pm

Wanted: Stephen Archer Credit: GMP

Police are searching for a man after a woman was left critical following a fire at a home in Newton Heath just before 9.45am this morning.

Police were called to an address on Surbiton Road in Newton Heath, Manchester to reports that a man had deliberately started a fire at the address.

Fire and police officers attended and found that a 49 year old woman had been left with serious burns. She was taken to hospital via air ambulance where her condition is currently critical.

Police are looking for 50-year-old Stephen Archer, of Victoria Street, Openshaw, who is wanted in connection with this incident.

Surbiton Road, Newton Heath Credit: Google Maps

Superintendent Arif Nawaz from GMP’s North Manchester Division said:

“Tragically a woman has been left lying critically ill in hospital following a fire at her home this morning. Our thoughts are with the victim and we have specially trained officers supporting her family at this difficult time. > “We have a team investigating this morning’s incident and a significant number of officers trying to locate the man responsible. > “We believe this to be a targeted attack. > "We are asking for anyone with any information or who may have seen Stephen Archer in the area to please contact us. > “Members of the public are advised not to approach him but to contact police as a matter of urgency by calling 999. > “Police are still at the scene and we are working closely with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue to establish the exact circumstances of what has taken place." >

Anyone with information is asked to call the investigation team directly on 0161 856 3891, 999, or the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.