Fire at house was 'started deliberately', say police

Detectives are treating a fire at a house near a school and a church in Northamptonshire as arson, and have appealed for CCTV footage.

Fire crews attended the blaze in the utility extension of a home next to St Peter's Church in Hayway, Rushden, just before 04:00 GMT on Sunday.

A man was rescued from the top floor of the property and treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Northamptonshire Police was called to the incident soon afterwards when it "became apparent the blaze had been started deliberately".

Detectives are treating the incident as arson with intent to endanger life.

The force said it left part of the property severely damaged.

The extension where the blaze started is also adjacent to a primary school, but police said it was unaffected by the fire.

Det Insp Richard Cheshire said the force was appealing for witnesses as well as anyone who might have CCTV or dashcam footage that could assist the investigation.

He said: "We firmly believe this fire was started deliberately and it is only good fortune that prevented this from being a very much more serious incident."

Police patrols have been stepped up in the area.

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