A manhunt is underway in Manchester after a 49-year-old woman was doused with petrol and set alight in Newton Heath. The victim suffered 70% burns and was airlifted to hospital following the attack on Surbiton Road on Monday morning.
Police are searching for Stephen Archer, 50, of Openshaw, who is believed to have fled the scene on a bicycle. Officers warn he may still be carrying several bottles of petrol in his backpack and could pose a danger to the public.
Superintendent Arif Nawaz of Greater Manchester Police described the incident as horrific and urged anyone who sees Archer not to approach him but to call 999 immediately. The attack is being treated as attempted murder.
During the incident at 09:45 GMT, a 19-year-old woman escaped uninjured from an upstairs window with help from neighbours. Three fire engines attended the blaze, and roads around Surbiton Road were closed.
Police believe Archer may have links to Openshaw, Marple, and Romiley areas. They are appealing for information to locate him.
