POLICE at Warrington are investigating an arson attack on a flat occupied by a woman in her forties.
The woman was inside the flat in Ajax Avenue, Longford when the fire was started.
Fortunately, the blaze, involving materials placed against the door, burned itself out before fire crews could reach the scene.
But police say the incident could have been much more serious.
A spokeswoman said: “While on this occasion, no serious damage was caused to the property and no-one was harmed, the real potential for injury or death to the resident of the flat was apparent.
“The flat targeted was a downstairs flat and the potential threat was not just to the resident of this premises, but to those living upstairs or alongside the property.”
Smoke damage was caused to the door and the area around it, but there was no structural damage to the property.
The incident was report at about 11.20am on Sunday, August 8.
olice are appealing for information from anyone who may know who started the fire.
Anyone who can help is asked to contact DC Robert McLoughlin at Warrington CID on 0845 458 0000. Alternatively, information can be left anonymously on the Crimestoppers hotline 0800 555 111.
