A BADLY-BURNED mother escaped from a house fire that killed her four-month-old son with her wrists bound behind her back, witnesses said.

Neighbours told how Danielle Wails, 21, had dialled 999 with her tongue and screamed for help through the letterbox as the flames spread.

Police have launched a murder inquiry after her baby, Alexander Lee Gallon, died in hospital following his rescue by firefighters.

His mother was last night being treated in the intensive care unit at Newcastle General Hospital.

Shocked friends said Miss Wails, whose hands had been bound with wire, told how she was attacked by two men who set fire to her home.

It is understood the blaze started near the back of the two-bedroomed house, near where the baby was sleeping.

Two girls who ran to help at the house in Cowgate, Newcastle, said they heard her screaming for help through the letterbox.

Leanne Horspool, 15, said: "She was saying that two men had got in and had attacked her and set fire to the house.

"I was telling her to calm down and get away from the door and we would try and find someone to kick it in.

"I stopped a car and a man tried to help and then the fire brigade arrived and they kicked the door in.

"She stumbled out of the front door and was just all black and looked like she was covered in soot. She told me she had managed to dial 999 with her tongue.

"She was shouting 'my baby, my baby is in there'."

Leanne's friend, Chantelle Stoker, 12, said: "A wire was hanging down from one wrist and looked like it had been pulled tight with a knot in.

"She was saying that two men had got in, hit her and tied her up, then set the house alight."

Ms Wails and Alexander were taken to Newcastle General Hospital where the baby was certified dead.

The fire broke out at 10.30pm on Sunday.

Ms Wail's home is owned by a Catholic charity that provides housing for single parents and pregnant women.

Dawn English, 29, who lives in the flat next door, said Ms Wails had moved in about seven weeks ago.

"She seems a nice, normal young lass, she was just trying hard on her own to try to bring up a baby alone."

Richie Carmichael, 25, said: "The baby was so small. Poor bairn never stood a chance. Who could do a thing like this? It's sick."

A spokesman for Northumbria Police said: "The fire is being treated as suspicious and a murder investigation is now under way.

"We need anyone with information to contact us urgently."

An incident room has been set up and anyone with information is asked to call 0191-214 6555 extension 62508.