POLICE have mounted a murder inquiry after the victim of an arson attack died in hospital.

Arthur Lonsdale, 52, of Westerham Close, Witherwack, Sunderland, died on Saturday night in the city's Royal Hospital.

He had been admitted to hospital on Thursday after being resuscitated by paramedics who rescued him from his home, which was ablaze. The fire is believed to have been started deliberately.

The family of Mr Lonsdale said last night they were devastated by their loss and have appealed for information.

Mr Lonsdale, known as Arky, was a popular figure who ran a self-funded cat refuge for abandoned animals at his house. Several of his cats died in the fire.

Detective Superintendent Steve Wade, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "Mr Lonsdale's condition improved on Friday and he was able to tell his family how he had been sleeping when he was woken and overcome by smoke in his living room before being rescued by the emergency services.

"We now know there were a lot of young people gathered outside his home as the fire developed and we urgently need to speak to these witnesses and anyone who has any information about how the fire started."

Two boys, arrested in connection with the fire, have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 0191-454 7555 ext 65017, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.