Oldbury family escape as fire started

A young couple and their baby had a lucky escape today when arsonists attacked their home in Oldbury.

They set fire to a settee which had been placed outside the family's terraced home.

Heat from the flames melted plastic pipework inside the Douglas Road building. It also caused significant smoke damage.

But the couple – who are both aged in their 20s – managed to evacuate with their child after they were alerted to the emergency by the sound of their fire alarm.

Firefighters were called to the scene at 1.30am.

They confirmed they were treating the incident as arson.

Watch commander Andy Marples said the alarm probably saved their lives. He added: "The couple were very lucky this did not turn into a full-scale fire.

"Luckily they had smoke alarms so they were able to get out quickly.

"It could have easily been adifferent story."