AN arson attack on a house could have killed the woman who lived there, police said today.

The 29-year-old occupant of the house in Beech Grove, Accrington, fled her home in the early hours of Saturday after a plastic plant in her kitchen was set alight.

She had been sleeping in the adjacent room but was wakened by the sound of crackling flames.

Detective Sergeant Mark Rothwell of Accrington CID said: "Had the householder not wakened, the consequences could have been disastrous.

"She contacted the fire brigade who extinguished the fire. It could have proved fatal."

Police want to speak to three people who were seen leaving the woman's address through the front door about 1.15am.

They were seen to walk towards Clarence Road.

DS Rothwell said: "We want to speak to those three people.

"The possibility remains that these people have nothing to do with it but they might know something about the fire.

"We are not aware of anything stolen at this stage but we are taking this seriously."

A neighbour said the woman also had a young son living with her at the house but that he was away at the time of the fire.

The fire caused limited smoke and heat damage to the kitchen and surrounding area.

Anyone with any information is asked to call CID on 01254 353741.