A man allegedly tried to set fire to a garden shed with a blowtorch just a few feet from a home where three children were present.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to a property on Scholes Lane in Prestwich at 12.45am on Monday, July 1 following the alleged attempted arson attack, which reportedly happened an hour earlier.

The shed, which sits just three feet away from the main property, did not catch fire before the suspect fled from the area.

GMP said it was a "really disturbing incident where a property has been targeted on more than one occasion", with six adults and three children in the home at the time.

There were no injuries reported and no arrests have been made.

Police have now released a picture of a man in connection with the incident and the force believes "he could assist" with its enquiries.

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PC Neil Cheslett from GMP's Bury district said: “This is a really disturbing incident where a property has been targeted on more than one occasion with the latest being a suspected arson attack.

"Six adults and three children were present in the address when this attack took place. The consequences could have been dreadful.

“We have been working hard to try and identify the suspect, and we are now appealing to the public for their assistance in this case.

"Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 8204 quoting crime number CRI/06NN/0010736/24.

"Information can also be shared using our LiveChat function on our website gmp.police.uk or via 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

"Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity - Crimestoppers - anonymously on 0800 555 111."