Man sought over petrol attack on woman sent mother birthday card
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Version 0 of 1. A man wanted for questioning after a woman was doused with petrol and set alight has sent his mother a birthday card. Detectives are looking for Stephen Archer, 50, in connection with the attempted murder. The 49-year-old victim, reported to be Archer’s sister, remains in a critical condition after she suffered 70% burns to her body following Monday’s incident in Newton Heath, Manchester. On Thursday Archer’s mother, Wendy, made a direct appeal for her son to contact the police after it was revealed she had received the birthday card. She said: “Steve, I have got your card. I want you to know that no one is controlling me and no one is forcing me to send this message to you. “I know you think I am covering things up but I am not. I do not want any harm to come to you. Will you please contact the police.” Police had warned that Archer, of Victoria Street, Openshaw, may be carrying several bottles of petrol and on Thursday asked petrol station workers to be “extra vigilant” and alert the authorities if they think they see him. Officers attended an address in Surbiton Road shortly before 9.45am on Monday after reports that a man had deliberately set fire to a woman. A 19-year-old woman escaped uninjured from an upstairs window of the house, with help from neighbours, said police. Supt Arif Nawaz of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Our thoughts are with the victim and her family. She is still critically ill in hospital and our specialist support officers are supporting the family through this extremely difficult time. “I would like to thank the public for their help following our appeal to find Stephen Archer. We have followed several leads and have received some very helpful information but unfortunately we have still not found him.” He warned the public not to approach Archer if they spotted him. Anyone with information should call the investigation team directly on 0161-856 62491, 999, or the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800-555 111. |