Coroner questions police handling of firebomb threat before fatal arson
At a Bolton inquest, a detective admitted that, in an ideal world, the man who threatened to firebomb a home should have been arrested before he later set the house ablaze, killing a mother and four children.
During the Bolton Coroner’s Court hearing, detectives recounted that Zak Bolland broke the windows of Michelle Pearson’s Walkden home and subsequently texted her demanding £500 while threatening a petrol bomb. The victim, described as anxious and unwilling to go to court, gave a statement but did not pursue charges, leaving police with only her word against Bolland’s denial. Detective Constable Robert Webster, who had been on the force for six months, explained that staffing shortages and a surge of emergency calls meant they did not arrest Bolland despite having sufficient grounds.
Two days later the investigation into the window-smashing was closed, and Bolland was released with a “no further action” designation. Shortly thereafter, Bolland and David Worrall returned, placed petrol bombs that exploded, trapping the family and causing the deaths of Michelle Pearson and her four children, while Pearson later died from severe burns. The inquest is examining whether missed police actions contributed to the tragedy.
Why it matters
The case highlights potential failures in police response to threats that can lead to deadly outcomes.
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