AN heroic neighbour ran through a burning house to rescue a baby after a suspected arson attack at 5am this morning.

Fire fighters were called to Surrey Terrace, in Billingham, Teesside, after a wheelie bin was set alight.

Neighbour Spencer Carter, who lives a few doors away, heard the crackling of flames and could smell smoke.

He ran to the house and up the stairs to rescue the little girl, thought to be 18 months.

Two young men escaped through the back of the semi-detached house and fire fighters rescued the two women from an upstairs bedroom.

Watch manager Steve Paton said: "What the neighbour did was brave and commendable."

There were no serious injuries although the family were taken to hospital for checks.