A MAN whose house has twice been targeted by arsonists has vowed they will not drive him out.

Abdul Rahim and his family are living in a hotel after their house in Broad Street was firebombed for the second time in three weeks.

But the 48-year-old shopkeeper has said he will not give up on the home he has worked so hard to build.

He said: "It's a nightmare because I had made my home and now I am homeless because of someone else.

"It's a difficult situation now because my daughters are still very frightened to go back to the house.

"But this is our home, and it's there because of my own hard work."

A petrol bomb was thrown through the front window at 1am on Saturday.

Mr Rahim, his wife and two daughters were all in the house at the time.

His wife and elder daughter were rescued by firemen and all four were treated for smoke inhalation.

The attack occurred less than three weeks after another home-made petrol bomb was thrown through the same window.

Police say their inquiries are focused on a link between the two attacks.

Mr Rahim said he is grateful to the community who have helped his family.

He said: "They have been very supportive, which I really appreciate.

"I know they are all worried because they fear the same thing could happen to them. This is a frightened community."

Mr Rahim still has no idea when he will be able to return to his house, or how much damage has been caused.

He said: "Now I'm staying in a hotel and I will have a meeting with the insurance company but at the moment I have no idea when we can go back.

"We are all very tired - we are still not able to sleep."

Forensic investigations are continuing on Mr Rahim's home and officers are carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the Broadgreen area.

Several meetings have been held between police, community leaders and politicians.

Coun Derique Montaut (Lab, Central) was one of those present. He said: "There are a range of concerns in the community.

"Residents have asked for CCTV and we are looking into this possibility.

"Of course people are frightened but we are trying to assure them that we are working with police and community leaders to do as much as possible to safeguard their security."