A FAMILY of three escaped from their blazing home after a suspected arson attack in the early hours of today.

Firefighters called to the house at Dickinson Close, Blackburn, at 4.15am found John and Ada Holt and their handicapped daughter Lynn, 22, inside and led them to safety.

They were taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary suffering from shock and smoke inhalation. Mrs Holt, 53, was also treated for a back injury.

The family was convinced that a fourth member of their family was still in the house and firefighters searched the house but nobody else was inside.

Firefighter John Riley suffered slight burns to his right arm during the search. Police were today waiting to speak to the family, who were still in shock.

A 29-year old local man was arrested at about 5am and was today being questioned by police.

The family living next door to the house were evacuated in case the flames spread, and another neighbour watched the drama unfold. Mrs Zubeda Shah, of Dickinson Close, said: "I was awake praying and I heard all the sirens. So I finished my prayers and ran outside to see flames shooting out of the house. There were fire engines and firemen were leading the family out."

Inspector Stephen Haworth said: "The fire started in an upstairs bedroom, but depsite intense heat the family had managed to make their way downstairs. There is some evidence that an accelerant was used to start the fire and we are still investigating the cause.

"Firefighters put themselves at some considerable risk to try to find the fourth person who was believed to be in the house. In fact the heat of the blaze was so intense that some of the firefighters' breathing apparatus melted. It is extremely fortunate that no-one was more seriously injured."

Police are also investigating reports that firefighters were sent to the Holt's house at Dickinson Close three months ago after a malicious call.

Station Officer Mark Wissett, of Blackburn Fire Station, said: "Firefighters took more of a calculated risk than they would normally have because they went back into the house as they thought that somebody was still inside.

"I would also like to point out that there were no smoke detectors in the house, which is something I would ask all the neighbours to consider."

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