Police have launched an attempted murder investigation after four people were forced to escape through windows to save themselves from an 'arson attack'.
The woman, a 17-year-old boy and two girls, aged 16 and 11, were taken to hospital after fleeing the blaze at a house in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, at about 4.13am this morning.
West Yorkshire Police said the 17-year-old is in a serious but stable condition, suffering from burns and injuries caused by jumping from an upstairs window.
The woman and two girls were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation before being taken to hospital.
A force spokesman said all the house occupants escaped through windows.
One neighbour reported being woken up by ‘manic screaming’, hearing ‘massive bangs’ and seeing flames rising above the trees.
Another witness said: “Was awful to see, made my stomach churn.”
Neighbour Katie added: “I just woke up about four o’clock for people screaming for their lives...
“They were just screaming ‘help’ and ‘get me out’.”
Detective Superintendent Mark Swift, of West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET), said: "This is clearly a very serious incident in which a male has suffered burn injuries and three females have also suffered smoke inhalation.
"It took place at a time of night when a family were at home sleeping and could quite easily have had fatal consequences for those inside.
"We are treating this incident as an attempted murder and I am appealing to members of the public for information."
Mr Swift appealed for any information about anyone buying petrol in cans from garages or who returned home with burn injuries as a result of lighting a fire.
He added: "It is quite possible the suspects will have suffered some injuries as a result of lighting the fire and I would like to speak to anyone who has information about males having turned up at home this morning with burns."
He also asked for anyone who saw, or has CCTV footage of, suspicious behaviour in the area of the house on Stonedene Court to get in touch.
Anyone with information is asked to contact HMET on 101, referencing Operation Pairglen and crime number 13190409679; report online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat ; or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
