Authorities are investigating a fire that destroyed a vehicle outside the home of boxer Campbell Hatton in Tameside, England. The incident, which occurred Monday night, is being treated as a targeted attack.
Fire crews and police were called to a residential street in Hattersley, Hyde, around 11:45 p.m. on June 29, following reports of a car being set ablaze. The fire left the property's driveway charred and covered in debris. A front window of the house was also reportedly smashed.
Campbell Hatton, the son of late boxing world champion Ricky Hatton, stated on social media that the torched vehicle belonged to his father. He expressed his devastation, noting the car held sentimental value and that much of his father's belongings were ruined. Hatton is seeking information and has reviewed CCTV footage that he believes shows two individuals involved in the incident.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that no arrests have been made at this stage. A spokesperson for the force stated that the attack is believed to be targeted and poses no wider risk to the public. Investigations are ongoing, and police are appealing for public assistance.
The incident occurred the evening before a separate gas leak was reported in the same area. Firefighters responded to the gas leak on Tuesday morning, working with police and Cadent to secure the area. No injuries were reported in the gas leak incident.
Ricky Hatton was found deceased at his home in Hyde on September 14, at the age of 46. An inquest into his death revealed he had a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit for driving, along with evidence of cannabis use and signs of previous cocaine use. Toxicology results did not indicate recent cocaine use.
A post-mortem examination also found microscopic evidence of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition associated with repeated head trauma. The coroner recorded a narrative conclusion, stating that it could not be determined whether Hatton intended to end his own life, as his level of intoxication and his brain condition may have affected his judgment. No suicide note was found.
Campbell Hatton, 25, has previously spoken about how his father's death was a turning point in his own life, helping him overcome struggles with addiction. He has since sought treatment and recently announced his return to boxing.