Neighbours had to be evacuated after a van was deliberately set on fire outside shops.
Emergency services were first called out after a Ford Transit van was deliberately set alight on Millfield Road in Widnes yesterday (Sunday 14).
Police and fire crews were alerted just before 6pm when the flames spread to a nearby shop and residents had to be evacuated.
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Soon after, a car crashed and overturned on nearby street in an incident police think is linked to the arson.
At around 6.15pm, a red Nissan Micra and a Honda Civic crashed on Peel House Lane.
The crash flipped the Nissan Micra which landed upside-down on nearby railings.
The driver of the Micra is then reported to have fled the scene on foot.
The man who fled is described as white, around 6ft tall, 40-years-old with long wavy black hair and of average build.
He was wearing a black jacket, black hoodie and grey pants and said to have spoken with a Liverpool accent.
Anyone with information that they think could help with the investigation are asked to call 101 quoting IML 917695 or report it via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report
Alternatively, information can be passed on to independent crime charity Crimestoppers, anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or by reporting via Crimestoppers website.
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