A woman collapsed after a fire raiser pushed burning material through her letter box, filling her home with smoke.

The unnamed mother of four, who suffers from respiratory problems, had to be given oxygen and first aid at the scene in Ainsdale Road, Middlesbrough, just after midnight today. She was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Ron Carr, station officer with Cleveland Fire Brigade and Middlesbrough Fire Station, said the 33-year-old was overcome by smoke and shock. The woman, her husband and their children had been sound asleep when the fire started.

Mr Carr said: "We managed to confine the fire to the hallway, but there was smoke damage. The fire was immediately behind the letter box on the floor area.''

Cleveland Police said a 39-year-old local man had been arrested on suspicion of intent to endanger life and was being questioned by detectives.