A FAMILY of eight people escaped inury after an arson attack on their home.
The family dog alerted George Waters when what police called an incendiary device was thrown through the front window of his house in Peel Street, Hendon, Sunderland, shortly after 2.30am yesterday.
Mr Waters got his wife, Pamela, five children and a family friend out of the building before fire crews arrived.
The family, aged five to 62, were given a check-up by paramedics, but did not need hospital treatment.
Northumbria Police officers cordoned off the area as an investigation got under way.
A spokesman declined to give more details about the incendiary device.
A Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade spokesman said a small area of carpet was burnt and the rest of the three-storey house smoke damaged.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sunderland City CID, on 0191-454 7555.
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