A BABY was rescued through the bedroom window of a house following a suspected arson attack.

A babysitter is believed to have raised the alarm after the blaze started behind the front door of the house in Addison Street, Wensley Fold, Blackburn, at about 3.30am today.

An operator at fire brigade headquarters reassured her over the phone until fire crews arrived and rescued a one-year-old girl through the first floor window.

The fire was then put out and the 28-year-old woman was helped out of the house.

Police today confirmed that the blaze, in an end terrace house next to a video shop, was being treated as arson.

The woman was alerted to the fire thanks to a smoke alarm which had previously been fitted by the fire service, and officers today revealed the pair were lucky to have noticed the fire early.

They were checked over by paramedics and treated for smoke inhalation, then taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary as a precaution. Police were called and are now investigating the cause of the blaze.

David Colling, 64, a next door neighbour, said: "I heard a bang which I thought was the front door slamming, then I heard the smoke alarm going off and that was it.

"The next thing there were lots of fire engines and police cars.

"I didn't see any smoke at all but I could smell it in my house."

Watch manager Mick Angland of Blackburn fire station said: "We got a call saying persons were reported trapped.

"A lady was on the phone, still in the property, in the bedroom, and a young child was in there.

"We rescued the child from the upstairs window and cleared the property of smoke, and walked the woman down afterwards.

"There was a small fire behind the door so they couldn't get out.

"We left and police were still investigating. It could have been very serious.

"They were lucky they had the smoke alarm fitted."