A FAMILY were grateful to their pet dog after it alerted them to an arson attack on their home.
The couple and their two children were watching TV in their flat when their Lakeland terrier, Jess, began barking.
When they went to investigate they realised that a blaze had been started in the lobby of the property in South Shields, South Tyneside.
The family escaped unhurt and a woman living in the other downstairs flat had to escape via a living room window.
Police are investigating.
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