A FAMILY of six could have been killed when arsonists targeted their home.

The blaze caused extensive damage to a house and two cars in Lane Place, Grangetown, near Middlesbrough during the early hours of Friday.

The fire was discovered at about about 2.30am by the occupier, who had to quickly evacuate his wife and family, including his disabled son.

“We all could have been killed,” said the 46-year-old mother-of four, who did not want to be named.

“We were very lucky to get out uninjured – I don’t even want to think about what could have happened.

“We were all in bed when I heard a loud bang and one of my sons started shouting that the cars were on fire.”

The woman, her 51-yearold husband, and four children all managed to escape uninjured.

The eldest son, 24, suffers from chronic asthma, epilepsy and learning difficulties.

The three other children are aged between nine and 23, The woman said: “Losing the cars is proving to be difficult because we need them to get our son around, but to be honest that is the least of our concerns at the minute.

“The whole family is traumatised and we just want to get out of this house.

“The children aren’t sleeping and we don’t feel safe in our own home.

“We have been having a little bit of trouble from certain people for a little while but nothing as serious as this attack.

“I honestly believe that my entire family could have been killed by this fire and we are desperate to get away from Grangetown, even though I have lived here all my life.”

The family’s Vauxhall Zafira and Vauxhall Corsa were destroyed in the arson attack, and their home was also badly damaged.

Detective Constable Nicky Moore, of Redcar police, said: “We believe that the fire was a deliberate act and the outcome could have been much worse if it had not been discovered when it was.

“I would like to hear from anybody who believes that they can provide information in relation to this incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to call DC Moore at Cleveland Police on 01642- 302626 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555- 111.