Police in Greater Manchester have launched an investigation after a vehicle belonging to the late boxing champion Ricky Hatton was deliberately set on fire outside the home of his son, Campbell Hatton, in what authorities believe was a targeted attack.
Emergency services responded to reports of the blaze on a residential street in Hattersley, Hyde, late on Monday night.
The incident also involved damage to the front of the property, with a window reportedly smashed.
Investigators have since been examining the scene, where the driveway was left blackened and strewn with burnt debris.
Campbell Hatton Says Sentimental Family Possession Was Destroyed
Campbell Hatton confirmed through social media that the vehicle destroyed in the fire had belonged to his late father, making the loss especially painful for the family.
The 25-year-old boxer explained that the car was one of the few remaining possessions he had inherited from his father and that personal items stored inside were also destroyed.
According to Campbell, the attack happened at approximately 11.40 p.m.
He said CCTV footage appeared to show two suspects entering the area through a nearby valley before carrying out the arson.
He appealed to residents with security cameras or any information to come forward to help identify those responsible.
Campbell also expressed concern for his family’s safety, noting that his seven-year-old daughter regularly stays at the property and stressing the importance of finding those behind the attack.
Police Believe Incident Was Targeted
Officers from Greater Manchester Police attended the scene alongside firefighters after receiving reports of the vehicle fire shortly before midnight on Monday, June 29.
Investigators have stated that, based on the evidence gathered so far, the attack appears to have been specifically directed at the property rather than posing a broader threat to the local community.
No arrests have been made, and detectives continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with relevant footage to assist with the investigation.
A police spokesperson confirmed that enquiries remain ongoing as officers work to establish the motive behind the deliberate arson.
Firefighters Return Following Separate Gas Leak
The same neighborhood required another emergency response on Tuesday morning after reports of a gas leak.
Firefighters worked with Greater Manchester Police and gas network operator Cadent to secure the area and eliminate any potential danger.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported during the incident, with emergency crews remaining on site for approximately four and a half hours before the situation was declared safe.
Officials have not indicated that the gas leak was connected to the overnight vehicle fire.
Attack Comes Months After Ricky Hatton’s Death
The destruction of the vehicle carries added emotional significance for Campbell following the death of his father, former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton.
Ricky died at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14 at the age of 46.
During the subsequent inquest, it was revealed that he had been found in his games room with an empty bottle of wine and a partially consumed glass nearby.
Toxicology findings showed his blood alcohol level exceeded the legal drink-driving limit by more than twice.
The examination also identified evidence of cannabis use and historical cocaine use, although there was no indication of recent cocaine consumption.
Medical experts additionally discovered microscopic signs of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain condition associated with repeated head trauma sustained over many years.
The coroner concluded that it was impossible to determine whether Ricky had intended to end his own life, citing the absence of a suicide note and the possibility that intoxication and his neurological condition may have impaired his judgment.
A narrative conclusion was therefore recorded, leaving the precise circumstances surrounding his death unresolved.
Campbell Hatton Speaks About Recovery and Boxing Return
Campbell has previously spoken publicly about the profound impact of his father’s death on his own life.
He revealed that he had been battling addiction to cocaine and alcohol and believed he had come dangerously close to taking his own life before deciding to seek professional help through rehabilitation.
Since completing treatment, Campbell has focused on rebuilding his career and recently confirmed his return to professional boxing after signing a multi-fight agreement with Misfits Boxing.
As police continue their enquiries into the suspected arson attack, the boxer has urged anyone with information or CCTV footage from the area to contact investigators in the hope of identifying those responsible for destroying one of the family’s most treasured possessions.
