More attacks in tense UK towns

The latest attacks come following trouble in Burnley earlier this week

ACCRINGTON, England -- Fresh attacks have been reported by police in parts of northern England which have seen racial violence in recent weeks.

The home of a family of Asian origin was fire-bombed in Accrington early on Saturday morning, Lancashire Police told Reuters.

A spokeswoman for Lancashire police said two shops -- one of them beneath the family's home -- and two cars were set ablaze in the neighbouring towns of Accrington and Burnley.

Seven members of the family escaped after a child was woken by the smell of smoke, she said. Their home was completely destroyed.

"This is an appalling incident in which an entire family could have been killed. The whole community should band together to help identify the people respresponsible putting children's lives at risk," the spokeswoman said.

An Asian-owned greengrocers shop was earlier petrol-bombed in Burnley. The spokeswoman said no one was hurt and the shop suffered only minor damage.

Last weekend, Burnley saw street fighting involving more than 200 white and youths of Asian origin, with 22 people arrested.

Burnley is 20 miles (30 km) from Oldham, which saw Britain's worst race riots in more than a decade last month. Authorities have said right-wing extremists from outside the town are to blame for increasing tensions.

There was also rioting in Leeds, West Yorkshire -- which is 40 miles (65 km) east of Oldham -- this month, though police said there was no evidence of a racial motive.