Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton's car was destroyed in a suspected arson attack outside his son Campbell's home in Hattersley, Hyde, Tameside. Police are treating the incident as a targeted attack and have launched a major investigation.
Incident Details
Emergency services were called to the residential street at approximately 11:45pm on Monday, June 29, after reports of a vehicle fire. Fire crews and officers arrived to find the car engulfed in flames, with a front window also smashed. The driveway was left scorched and covered in burnt debris.
Campbell Hatton, 25, confirmed in a social media post that the vehicle belonged to his late father, Ricky Hatton, who passed away aged 46 last September. He wrote: "At around 11.40pm my dad's car got set on fire outside my house. CCTV of two lads look like they came through the valley in Hattersley to do it so anyone with any info or cameras that might have caught anything let me know."
Emotional Impact
Campbell expressed his distress over the loss, stating: "Absolutely gutted the car was one of the only things I've got that was my dads and a lot of sentimental stuff ruined. Need to get to the bottom of it I have a seven-year-old daughter who stays here." The vehicle held significant sentimental value for the family.
Police Investigation
Greater Manchester Police confirmed they are treating the arson as a targeted attack. A spokesperson said: "We were called at 11.45pm to reports of a car which had been set on fire, officers attended the scene along with colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. No arrests have been made at this stage. It is believed to be a targeted attack with no wider risk to the public, and investigations are ongoing. Officers are now appealing to the public for their help as we continue to make enquiries into this incident."
Gas Leak Incident
On Tuesday morning, June 30, firefighters were dispatched to the same area following reports of a gas leak. A spokesperson said: "Firefighters worked alongside partners from Greater Manchester Police and Cadent to make the area safe. No injuries were reported and crews were on the scene for around four and a half hours." The gas leak is believed to be unrelated to the arson attack.
Appeal for Information
Police are urging anyone with information or CCTV footage from the Hattersley area around the time of the incident to come forward. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing. The attack has left the Hatton family devastated, with Campbell appealing for public assistance to identify the perpetrators.
