Mistaken Arson Attack in Bury Linked to Gang Feud

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Mistaken Arson Attack in Bury Linked to Gang Feud

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An innocent family narrowly escaped a devastating fire after their home in Bury was mistakenly targeted in an arson attack linked to a gangland feud. The incident took place around 1:40 AM on January 18, 2026, when Stuart and Claire Marsden were woken by a loud crash to find their rented end-of-terrace home ablaze.

Jody Lynam and an unknown accomplice approached the house, with the accomplice smashing a window before Lynam poured petrol inside, causing an explosion. The pair then fled the scene. Fortunately, the Marsdens, whose children were staying elsewhere that night, were able to escape the fire with their dog.

Police investigations led to the arrest of Jody Lynam after DNA from a discarded balaclava was traced to him. Minshull Street Crown Court heard that Lynam, a drug addict, and his co-offender were acting on instructions from a drug dealer to intimidate a rival. They were reportedly told the target property would be empty, leading to a “devastating case of mistaken identity.”

Lynam, 45, of Hardfield Street, Heywood, pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered. He has a history of 122 previous offenses. Judge Jenny Lester-Ashworth sentenced Lynam to six years and nine months in prison, emphasizing the extreme seriousness of the offense and stating that “multiple people could have been killed.” The fire caused over £113,000 worth of damage, and nine months later, the Marsdens’ home remains uninhabitable.

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