A BRAVE teenager smashed a ground floor window and helped a woman clamber out of her home after a suspected arson attack.

Phil Taylor (17), kicked in one of the panes of the bay window at the house in Linton Avenue, Walmersley, Bury, seconds after spotting smoke pouring from the front door.

The occupant 33-year-old Miss Elaine Rose and her dog both escaped injury following Sunday night's (Dec 28) incident.

Station Officer Peter Seddon of Bury fire station said a lighted substance or material had been pushed through the letter box of the front door.

"The flames set fire to a coat behind the door. Once the coat ignited, it also burned the door timber. There was no way this woman was able to get out through the front door."

Phil, who had been visiting a friend next door, said: "As I was leaving, I saw smoke coming from the top of the door.

"I wanted to let the person inside know there was a fire. But when I went to rattle the letter box, my finger stuck to it because of the heat."

The student, who lives in Monmouth Avenue, Bury, added: "I then saw the woman appear at the nearby ground floor window.

"I kicked in one of the glass panes, went inside and helped her out before bringing out her dog."

He sustained a burn to his finger and minor cuts caused by the glass.

Meanwhile, Bury CID are continuing their investigations into the incident.

Miss Rose declined to comment.

Anyone who can provide assistance should contact Bury police crime management unit on 856 8157.

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