A MARTON woman escaped being trapped in her flat by minutes when arsonists set fire to her neighbour's empty home.

Police are investigating three cases of arson in the past three months at the privately-owned flat in Boston Way which has been vacant for two years.

In the latest attack, on Monday night (May 4) - just 24 hours after the second - a piece of burning carpet ignited the uPVC front door, spreading flames and noxious fumes to next door's entrance.

South Shore fire station commander Stephen Scholfield said: "Luckily the lady next door had left 20 minutes earlier to pick up her husband, but if she'd been in the flat she'd have been struggling to get out - uPVC gives off all sorts of nasty gases." The woman is believed to have tried to get back in to save her cats before the emergency services arrived, suffering smoke inhalation and being treated by paramedics at the scene.

Mr Scholfield said: "Whoever's doing this needs catching.

"I would appeal to him to have a long think and give himself up."

The previous night, a pile of Yellow Pages were found smouldering and an earlier attempt was made in February.

Det Sgt Kevan Turner said: "There's obviously some background as to why this is going on.

"We're making inquiries with the property owners, but if anyone has any information or knows who's responsible, they should contact Blackpool police on 293933 - any information will be treated in strictest confidence."

The flat is believed to be owned by an elderly lady who now lives with her family nearby.

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