Petrol bomber jailed over attack on family home

A man has been jailed for more than six years after he threw a petrol bomb at a house in Rotherham.

Seven people were in the property in Warwick Street, in Moorgate, at the time of attack in November 2023, including two children and an 11-month-old baby.

South Yorkshire Police said six people had managed to get out of the house unharmed, while one occupant suffered serious leg injuries from having to jump out of a window.

Jamal Usman, 23, of no fixed abode, plead guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday and was sentenced to six years and four months. He was told he would serve an additional three years on licence after being released.

A police spokesperson said officers were called to reports of a fire in the early hours of 25 November 2023.

CCTV later showed a group of people, including Jamal Usman, arrive nearby in a taxi before throwing a petrol bomb at the property.

Two people are still wanted in relation to the offence.

Det Sgt Chris Byne said it was "frankly a miracle that no lives were lost".

"I want to praise the victims in this case who have supported our investigation from the outset, their bravery and determination to see justice served a big role in this result," he said.

"Usman showed a shocking lack of humanity, having a complete and utter disregard for the safety of those inside the house he targeted.

"It was only from the help of neighbours who attended with ladders that the occupants managed to escape."

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