FIREWORK YOBS TARGET HOUSE (From Northwich Guardian)

FIREWORK YOBS TARGET HOUSE

11:45am Wednesday 24th December 2008 in News

A FAMILY’S Christmas could have gone up in flames after mindless yobs bombed their home.

Two men were spotted throwing lit fireworks at the house in East Avenue, Rudheath, possibly in an attempt to damage the inflatable Christmas decorations in the front garden.

Hazel Stevens, 37, who lives with husband Robert and their four children, said a neighbour saw the pair, thought to be aged in their 20s, pull up in a black D registration Peugeot at 6am on Wednesday before launching the attack.

She said: “The grass is scorched, there are firework casings all over the garden and you can see where some have hit the front of the house.

“It’s really frightening because we’ve got a caravan on the drive and our oldest son was sleeping in there – the whole thing could have gone up in flames.”

Children James, 17, Hannah, 16, Alex, seven, and Ruby, five, were all horrified to discover what had gone on as they slept.

Hazel said: “They are a bit upset. It’s more the worry of if the caravan had gone up. James slept in the house the night after – he was worried that they might come back.

“If it was kids throwing one or two fireworks then you would think ‘well it’s just one of those things’ but the fact that these men plotted and planned is just scary.”

She added: “You don’t think of things like that happening, I love taking the kids to see the decorations in the street but this ruins it for everyone.

“I just think if they don’t enjoy Christmas then that’s up to them but they don’t have to ruin it for everyone else.

“And just think about the consequences if they had set our house in flames. I can’t understand the mentality of someone that enjoys doing that.”

In previous years Hazel had thought twice about putting the expensive snowman and Father Christmas figures up but local life had become so peaceful that she thought this year would be different.

“This is the first time we’ve actually put them up. There were neighbourhood problems a few years ago so we thought we best not do it. But everything has been so calm and lovely that we thought it would be ok.

“The decorations cost about £100 which doesn’t sound like a lot but it is to us. I can’t believe men of that age could be so stupid or selfish. At six in the morning it wouldn’t have been some drunken hi-jinks. I’ve got a feeling they were on their way to work.

“It was either random vandalism or it’s a personal attack. I’ve been going door-to-door to see if anyone saw anything or if it has happened to anyone else but most people round here sleep in the back bedrooms. It’s just a good job our neighbour spotted them when he did. And he’s got CCTV so hopefully we can use that to find out who did it.”

Police are investigating the incident. If you saw anything or have any information, please contact Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.