Man attacked over paedophile rumours

Police believe the attack was carried out by vigilantes

Police have issued a warning after the home of a pensioner, who was wrongly thought to be a paedophile, was firebombed.

The 75-year-old man from Newark has now been forced to move house.

He moved out after a flammable liquid was thrown at his bungalow.

Police said rumours had been circulating that the man, whose home overlooked a school playground, was a convicted paedophile.

Leaving home

Detectives are now urging people to come forward who know about the attack, which happened on the evening of 19 September.

They have warned against people taking the law into their own hands.

Nottinghamshire Police are treating the firebombing as arson with intent to endanger life - a crime that carries a life sentence.

Inspector Jerry Butler said: "A man has been subjected to an awful attack.

"He has had to leave his home and he is very distressed.

"He could have lost his life, he could certainly have been injured."