DETECTIVES have arrested two men in connection with a suspicious fire at a house.

The ferocious blaze began at about 2.50am this morning (Sunday, August 24) at a two-storey house on Scargill Road, Harrogate.

Fire crews received several calls and arrived to find the building well alight.

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service say a man and a woman had already managed to flee the property, but the ground floor lounge/bedroom was completely destroyed and the rest of the house was heavily smoke damaged.

The two people, a woman aged 19 and a 24-year-old man were taken to Harrogate District Hospital and treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.

Fire crews contacted police over the suspicious fire.

Detectives have arrested two men aged 33 and 26, both from Harrogate, in connection with the fire. Both remain in police custody.

Detective Sergeant Alan Browne, of Harrogate CID, said: “Thankfully neither of the occupants of the flat were seriously injured as a result of this fire. However, the consequences could have been far worse.

“If you have any information which could help my investigation I urge you to come forward and contact the police straight away.”

Anyone who can assist with this enquiry should contact Harrogate CID on 101 and ask for Alan Browne. Alternatively, information can be emailed to; Alan.browne@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference number 12140144035.