VIDEO: ‘Chaos and tears’ as family flee for their lives in suspected 1am arson attack on their Worksop home

The incident, which saw the blaze spread from a carport to a semi-detached property on Hardwick Road West, happened at around 1am on Saturday 30th May.

A couple and their 13-year-old daughter were inside the house at the time, but the family of three managed to escape unscathed after the mother spotted an ‘orange glow’ through a window and raised the alarm.

A neighbour, who did not wish to be named, told the Guardian this week: “Most of the residents on the street had to be evacuated from their homes. It was chaotic, there was a lot of shouting and screaming.”

“The family were in the garden just watching their house go up in flames, crying and hysterical.”

“It’s still the talk of the street. We can’t believe anything like this would happen round here. It’s scary as a lot of young children live on our street.”

Firefighters from Worksop, Retford and Edwinstoe battled the fire for almost six hours, working to install a ‘fire break’ which prevented the fire from spreading to other properties.

Police are now working with the fire service to establish the cause of the fire, which they believe was started ‘deliberately’.

Detective Sergeant Gemma Kew said: “We believe it was deliberate. Fortunately, the family got out of the property safely and were not hurt- but the outcome could have been far worse.”

Matt Reavill, safety fire officer at Notts Fire, said: “During this distressing time, we would like to reassure the public that incidents of this kind are rare. We are engaging with the community to offer help and advice where we can.”

“Fire crews acted quickly and managed to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to other properties and limiting the damage.”

“We would like to thank Derbyshire Fire for providing further assistance with an aerial ladder, and the Fire Support Service who are based in South Yorkshire. It was a real team effort spanning all across the region.”

Anyone with information is being asked to call Notts Police on 101, quoting incident 55 of Saturday 30th May.