An arsonist set fire to the home of a couple in Wigan.
At about 10.45pm on Saturday 23 January 2010, an unknown offender lit a sponge that had been soaked in accelerant and pushed it through the letterbox of a house on Manchester Road, Astley, Wigan.
The husband and wife are both 73-years-old.
The fire was quickly extinguished but caused some damage to the porch.
Detective Constable Paul Clayton, of Wigan CID, said: "Had the occupants not discovered the fire and put it out we could be dealing with the murder of two completely innocent people.
"I am astonished that anyone would be prepared to target a couple in such an indiscriminate and gratuitous way and I am doing all I can to bring this offender to justice.
"I would urge those in the community who may have information about the person responsible to think about what could have happened.
"If you know anything at all, regardless of how insignificant you think it might be, please do the right thing and call me before this person strikes again."
Anyone with information is asked to call Wigan CID on 0161 856 5307, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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