A MAN, woman and a dog escaped from their burning home after two cars outside were destroyed by fire which set the roof alight.

The blaze at Low Lane, Brookfield, Middlesbrough is being treated as a suspected arson attack by Cleveland Fire Brigade and Cleveland Police who have launched an investigation and are appealing for information.

Crews from Coulby Newham, Thornaby, Middlesbrough and Grangetown fire stations spent more than two hours tackling the fire after being called out at about 1.11am this morning (Friday).

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Fire Brigade said: “Two cars were destroyed by fire which spread to the property and half of the roof was destroyed by fire.”

Twelve breathing apparatus and four house reels were used to extinguish the fire until 3.20am.

The spokeswoman said two people and a dog were led to safety from the house by firefighters.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police added: “Police would appeal for anyone with information regarding the incident or anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the fire to contact Middlesbrough Major Crime Team on the non-emergency number 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.”