Arson probe after five flee house blaze

Three women and two men were alerted by neighbours to a blaze at a terraced property in Hereford Street at 4am yesterday and managed to climb on to an adjoining roof.

They escaped serious injury but were treated in hospital for smoke inhalation. Police believe the fire may have been started deliberately.

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Pete Baron said: "They were very lucky to get out of a first floor window on to a flattish roof. It was a very severe fire that inquiries indicate started on the ground floor and has caused extensive damage."

Three men from Hull, aged 24, 19, and 18, were arrested in connection with the incident. The two older men have been released without charge.

Police and fire brigade investigators have launched a joint inquiry to establish the cause of the blaze.

A Humberside Police spokeswoman appealed for anyone with information about the fire to contact officers on 0845 6060 222.

Picture: Terry Carrott.