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Witnesses sought by petrol probe police
POLICE want to speak to four people who they believe could help them with the investigation into an attack that saw a man doused in petrol and set alight.
Michael Webb, 38, suffered serious burns and remains in a critical condition at Newcastle's RVI hospital following the attack in the early hours of Tuesday, as reported exclusively by the Mail.
Investigations are being led by Detective Superintendent Gordon Lang, of the Cleveland Police murder investigation team, who described the attack as "absolutely horrendous".
Police say the attack happened after petrol was poured over Mr Webb and the front of his home in Annandale Crescent and they want to speak to two men and two women involved in a "heated argument" with the victim outside his home at around 10.30pm on Monday.
Det Supt Lang said: "From our enquiries so far we know that both the house and the 38-year-old man were doused in petrol and at some point this petrol was set on fire.
"It is an absolutely horrific incident and the man involved is seriously ill in hospital.
"We need to find out who is responsible. We need to speak to them to find exactly what happened and why.
"We know that during the day there were a number of disturbances in Annandale Crescent involving the victim.
"We are particularly keen to trace four people who were involved in a heated argument with the victim outside the property at around 10.30pm on Monday, August 4.
"We believe they may hold some vital information and I would also appeal to members of the community who have any information to come forward and contact us, however insignificant they may think it is."
Anyone with information can contact Hartlepool Police on (01642) 302126 or Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555111.
* SEE tomorrow's Mail for full story and updates.
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Weather for Hartlepool
Monday 28 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
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