A FAMILY of three, including a 92-year-old woman, fled their blazing home early today following an arson attack.

Kathleen Sharples, 92, her daughter Anne and son-in-law Peter, of Creswick Avenue, Rosehill, Burnley, had their lives saved by smoke alarms, according to firefighters.

Today Peter told of the family's terror at the ordeal which began at around 12.45am.

Arsonists broke into a shed at the family home and started a fire, which spread to the house and into the roof of the semi-detached home.

The family woke up to the sound of crackling and the smoke alarm.

They were able to walk out unharmed and without the help of firefighters.

Peter said: "The fire alarms were going off and neighbours were banging on the door.

"I rang the fire brigade but they had already been told so I just got everybody downstairs. It was terrifying. Kathleen was very shaken."

Neighbour Eric Midgely said: "It was a savage fire. I don't know how it started."

A 16-year-old neighbour added: "About half an hour before it happened I heard a loud bang and looked out the window and heard lots of noise and saw all the flames go up the side of the house.

"Most of the street was out watching."

Firefighters said arsonists used bolt cutters to break into the shed.

Watch manager, Peter Ashworth, added: "They were very lucky.

"The smoke detectors most probably saved their lives and we would urge anybody who has not got a smoke alarm to contact their local fire station to get one fitted, free of charge.

"The elderly woman was still inside the house when we arrived because she was in shock and was still in her night dress.

"She walked out of the house while we tackled the fire which had gone into the roof."

He said an investigation was underway into the cause and added: "We don't think it was children because of the time and the equipment needed to remove the two locks which had been put on the shed to make it secure."

A spokesman for Burnley police said: "We are investigating the incident and would appeal for any witnesses to come forward."

Anyone with information should contact Burnley Police on 01282 425001.