A SERIAL fire bomber who has struck at least seven times in Bury is being hunted by police.
Detectives believe a series of incidents across the borough are connected and could be linked to a vendetta against someone in the town.
People with links to the suspected target of the attacks have been warned by police to change their daily routines because their lives might be at risk.
A pub landlord, who was targeted last week, has quit his job and is moving out after a failed petrol bomb attack.
Paul Spanner, licensee of The Dusty Miller in Crostons Road, has been targeted twice and his daughter's house has also been petrol bombed.
The apparent target, who police are not naming, has no links to the pub, but the attacks have left Mr Spanner shaken.
David Grant, managing director of Moorhouse’s Brewery, which owns The Dusty Miller, said: “We have accepted a request from Paul to bring to an end our licensing agreement. The pub will stay open under new management.
“It is a great shame because, since moving into the pub 12 months ago, Paul has done a brilliant job building up what is a brilliant local pub and now he is being forced out. It has been a nightmare for them.
“We want to make it clear that Paul and his daughter have no involvement in any of this and so they and the pub should be left alone.”
The seven incidents police are linking are: l A fire bomb attack on a £100,000 Rolls Royce Phantom in Greenhill Road, Bury at 2.30am on April 28.
l A blaze which gutted parts of the Derby Arms in Bolton Road, Bury, at 3am on April 30, sparked by a petrol bomb.
l A petrol bomb attack at a house in Ivy Road, Bury at 9.30pm on May 8.
l A chilling incident in which a house window was smashed in Connaught Street, Bury and a petrol bomb thrown inside at 1.30am on June 12.
l A third petrol bomb attack, this time at a house in Sleaford Close, Bury at 12.45am on July 12.
l The first of two attacks on the Dusty Miller pub between 1am and 10.45am on July 13.
l The most recent incident, again at the Dusty Miller at 3.30am on August 10 when a window was smashed and a petrol bomb thrown at the pub.
Det Insp Sarah Jackson, of Bury CID, said: “We are investigating a number of linked arson attacks whereby various addresses have been specifically targeted.
“It is no exaggeration to say someone could be killed by such reckless acts so I would urge anyone with information about the attacks to come forward.
“Police and fire officers are working closely with the victims to offer support and advice in terms of security and fire prevention.”
Mr Spanner said he did not wish to comment.
Anyone with information is asked to call Bury CID on 0161 856 4647, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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