DETECTIVES investigating an arson attack which has left a man in intensive care are trying to piece together the victim's movements before the blaze.

Police have been able to establish where David Walker was until about 5pm on the day a fire was started at the front door of his terraced home.

But they are anxious to find out what he did and where he went in the next seven hours on Sunday evening, until the time the fire was reported just after midnight.

Mr Walker, 37, had to be rescued from a bedroom window by firefighters as smoke filled his home in Jackson Street, Hartlepool.

He was taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool suffering from smoke inhalation, and was put on a life support machine when his conditioned deteriorated.

Mr Walker has been heavily sedated and has been unable to speak to detectives, but it is hoped he may be well enough this afternoon to provide clues to the attack.

Detective Sergeant Matt Mason, of Hartlepool CID, said: "We have made some progress in that we have been able to talk to neighbours, but we still do not know what has happened here.

"It is important that we establish the movements of the injured party in the hours leading up to this incident and would appeal to anyone who knows to contact us on (01642) 302126."

Alternatively, call Crime-Stoppers on 0800 555111.