Woman found gagged on roof of burning house in Manchester

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jan/23/woman-found-gagged-on-a-roof-at-her-burning-house-in-manchester

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Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was found gagged on a roof of her burning house in Manchester.

Police and fire crews were called to the address in Longsight at about 8.25pm on Sunday 22 January.

The woman, whose mouth was taped up, was found on the roof of a bay window at the front of her house. She said three men had broken into her home, one armed with a gun, and demanded money.

Supt Dave Pester, from Greater Manchester police, said: “A dedicated team of detectives are committed to this investigation to find out what happened. We are keen to hear from anyone who might have seen anything unusual in the area.

“This was a terrifying experience for the victim, our specialist officers are supporting her. I would like to reassure the community that an incident of this nature is highly unusual and we are doing all that we can to get to the bottom of it.”

The woman was taken to hospital, though her injuries were not serious.

Greater Manchester fire and rescue said they had sent three crews to attend the fire at the mid-terraced property. “Firefighters rescued one woman from the first floor and extinguished the fire using four breathing apparatus, two hose reels, a short ladder and a positive pressure fan,” said a spokesperson.

“Crews were in attendance for approximately 1hr 20min. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.”