A man has been rushed to hospital in critical condition after being set on fire when he answered his door in Waverley, Lanchashire.
Police believe the 48-year-old victim was doused in some sort of accelerant when he opened the door before he was set alight.
Police believe the attack was 'targeted' and have launched an attempted murder inquiry, reports Lancashire Live.
Officers were called around 1am today by the ambulance service and found the victim with serious burns at his property.
Detective Chief Inspector Pauline Stables said: “This is a horrific incident which has left a man in a very poorly condition in hospital.
"His family are being supported by specially trained officers and my thoughts are with them at this time."
“We have a team of detectives and staff working on this investigation - which we are treating as an attempted murder and we are carrying out a number of enquiries to try to identify those responsible.
“While we are trying to establish a motive for what has happened we do believe that the incident was targeted and I would like to stress that I don’t believe there is any threat to the wider community at this time.
"Having said that I recognise this will have caused concern in the community and we do have a number of extra patrols in the area.
"If anyone has any particular concerns I would urge them to speak to an officer.
“Someone out there knows who has done this and I would urge them to come forward and speak to us.
"Has a loved one come home acting suspiciously, smelling of smoke or petrol or with unexplained injuries?
"If anyone has any information - no matter how insignificant you may feel it is - I would ask that you contact us."
"We need to find the people responsible for this dreadful crime.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 0068 of September 26.
Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org
