Fire crews rescue Wolverhampton arson victim

A Wolverhampton woman survived an arson attack when she was dramatically rescued by firefighters.

Fire crews were called to Jeffcock Road in Merridale at around 11.45pm last night.

The woman, in her 40s, was unconscious in the front upstairs bedroom when two crews – from Merridale and Wolverhampton fire stations – arrived.

She was carried out of the property and given oxygen at the scene, before paramedics took over.

She suffered only smoke inhalation during the blaze, which is believed to have originated through the front letterbox.

Crew commander Dave Hardaker, from Merridale Fire Station, said: "When we entered the property the woman was upstairs on the bed and was rescued.

"She came to when the crews got to her and we gave her oxygen, before the ambulance service took over.

"We believe the source of ignition came through the letterbox."

Crews remained at the scene until 3.30am while the gas board isolated the main gas supply.

The woman was taken to New Cross Hospital for a routine check-up.

Most of the damage to the property was in the porch and front of the house. Police are investigating the incident.