Three people fled their burning home following a suspected arson attack in the early hours this morning (Friday, April 19).

Emergency services were alerted to the incident in Cropton Close, Redcar, shortly after midnight. 

Police converged on the scene, along with three fire engines. The fire was extinguished and the occupants were unhurt. 

Officers said it was reported that something had been pushed through the letterbox of the front door. 

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "Redcar CID is investigating what they believe is a deliberate fire at an address in Cropton Close in the town in the early hours of today (00:40am) on Friday, April 19).

"A third party reported that something had been pushed through the letterbox on the front door.

"There were people present inside the property, however, they were able to leave without injury and the fire was extinguished, leaving only minor damage."

A spokesperson for the Cleveland Fire Brigade said: "We were called for a fire in Cropton Close, Redcar, at 12.46am. 

"We dispatched three fire engines - one from Redcar and two from Grangetown. One hosereel and two breathing apparatus were used to extinguish the fire. 

"The property was five per cent fire damaged - to the hall and front door. The property was 100 per cent fire logged. All persons were accounted for."

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Cleveland Police said officers remained in the area overnight and enquiries are continuing today.

Anyone with information or CCTV/dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to contact Cleveland Police on the 101 number quoting ref 070885.

If you don’t want to speak to police you can pass information anonymously to independent charity www.crimestoppers-uk.org or phone them on 0800 555 111.