POLICE have said there was not a racist motive behind a fire attack on flats housing refugees.

A female asylum seeker and her three-month-old baby had to be rescued by firemen when flames cut off their escape from a block of flats at Ormesby, near Middlesbrough.

They were among five people who fled the New Year's Day blaze in Norham Walk, which Cleveland Police yesterday confirmed is being investigated as arson.

Among those who escaped the blaze was a pensioner in her 70s.

Detective Constable Kath Vickers is anxious to talk to a group of six youths seen in the area or to anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour around teatime on New Year's Day. The blaze left the flats' hallway severely fire damaged while smoke filled all the flats. Residents who fled the fire were given temporary shelter by Redcar and Cleveland Council.

Anyone who can help the police with their inquiries is asked to ring (01642) 302626.