A WOMAN and two children were terrified when a petrol bomb was thrown through the window of their home.

Police said the incident, at 2.15am on Monday, could have killed someone and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

Police and fire crews were called to Norfolk Grove, Church, where the missile set fire to the kitchen. Inspector Graham Keyte said there had been an earlier fire on the doorstep of the house next door but it was unclear why the family had been targeted.

"A petrol bomb was thrown through the window. It was a bottle with petrol in it with a rag in the end.

"The rag was lit but the bottle didn't smash, otherwise there could have been tragic circumstances.

"There were no injuries. The woman heard the window smash and went downstairs to find the bomb in her front room."

Police made house to house inquiries and further inquiries will be made. "We recovered a number of items and our crime scene investigators will be going to examine the scene," said Insp Keyte. Leading firefighter Chris Fogarty, of Hyndburn fire station, said: "The petrol bomb didn't work properly so it could have been a lot worse. Luckily there is just minor damage to the room."

Insp Keyte added: "There was an empty property next door and someone lit a fire in the front doorway at 12.15am. Neighbours rang the fire brigade but it was just a little fire and I think it was out by the time the fire crew arrived."