AN investigation has been launched after a house in Radcliffe was petrol bombed by two masked men.

The arsonists, wearing black balaclavas, were seen throwing three home-made bombs through the front window of the vacant property in Coomassie Street during the early hours of Tuesday, before running off.

Only one of the petrol bombs exploded against the rear lounge wall, showering the empty room in burning liquid.

One resident smashed down the front and back doors of the house and searched the smoke-filled rooms to ensure the building was empty before firefighters arrived at the scene.

Watch Commander Carl Bostock from Whitefield Fire Station said: "Three petrol bombs had been thrown into the house but only one worked. Fortunately there was nothing in the lounge for the flames to catch hold and the petrol vapour burned itself out as we turned up."

The attack happened at 1.15am and police are keen to speak to anyone who has information about the incident.

Detectives at Whitefield CID can be contacted on (0161) 856 8150 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.