In a horrifying incident in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, a mother and her teenage daughter were compelled to leap from an upstairs window to escape a petrol bomb attack that engulfed their home in flames. The brutal assault, which occurred on December 16, 2021, has led to the conviction of ten men following an extensive police investigation and an 11-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court.
Details of the Arson Attack
The attack unfolded late in the evening when a group of men arrived at the property demanding to speak to Naveed Hussain. After striking the 31-year-old mother on the head, the assailants smashed downstairs windows and poured petrol in the hallway near the front door and outside the living room window. With the house set ablaze, the mother and her 13-year-old daughter had no choice but to smash an upstairs bedroom window and jump to safety.
Severe Injuries and Recovery
The mother sustained catastrophic injuries, including 65% burns to her body, which necessitated a two-month coma in hospital. She also suffered a broken pelvis, broken ribs, and a lacerated liver from the fall, requiring her to relearn how to walk. Her daughter endured 15% burns to her right arm and right leg. Both victims now face life-altering consequences, with the mother requiring ongoing medical treatment for her severe burns.
Court Convictions and Sentencing
After a thorough trial, ten men have been found guilty in connection with the attack. Shakil Uddin, 23, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, was convicted of attempted murder and arson with intent. Lukman Khan, 24, and Riyadh Iqbal, 23, both of Normacot, Stoke-on-Trent, were found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent and arson with intent.
Muhammad Sufyaan-Shah, 25, of HMP Hindley, Wigan, and Tayyeb Majeed, 23, of Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, were convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent. Previously, Ali Abbas, 22, and Haris Mahmood, 21, both of Normacot, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life.
Naveed Hussain, 32, of Longton, admitted violent disorder and possession of a knife blade or sharp pointed article in a public place in December last year. Kashif Ahmed, 25, of Stoke-on-Trent, Bilal Ahmed, 26, of Normacot, and Ali Abbas, 22 of Normacot, previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder.
Police Investigation and Statement
Staffordshire Police conducted a detailed investigation, piecing together CCTV footage, digital evidence, and specialist material to secure convictions. Detective Constable Howard Davies of the force's Major Investigations Department stated, "This was a horrific ordeal for a mother to be set on fire in her own home in front of her daughter by a number of men seeking revenge. Our investigation reflects the sustained commitment of officers and partners to securing justice for the victims and ensuring those involved are held fully accountable."
Background of the Incident
The attack was launched in revenge following a fight earlier that day in the Longton area of Stoke-on-Trent. At around 4pm on December 16, 2021, Naveed Hussain, Bilal Ahmed, Kashif Ahmed, and Ali Abbas were involved in an altercation that left Kashif Ahmed with a stab wound to his shoulder, requiring hospital treatment. Hours later, the gang targeted the mother's home, leading to the devastating arson attack.
The convictions highlight the severe consequences of such violent acts, with all ten men now facing significant jail sentences for their roles in this traumatic event.
