POLICE have increased their patrols in a community after a grandfather died following an arson attack at his daughter's home.

The Bangladeshi community was left in shock when the Azad family's home in Sunderland was targeted during the early hours of Friday.

Syed Sorafot Ali, 76, rushed to his daughter's home and collapsed when he saw flames coming from the property. He later died.

Extra police and community support officers were drafted into the Hendon area over the weekend to reassure residents.

Police and the fire brigade were alerted to the blaze at the three-bedroomed house, in Northcote Avenue, Hendon, at 3.42am on Friday.

Initial reports suggested it was a racially motivated attack, when it was discovered a brick had been thrown through a front window.

But a police spokeswoman confirmed that a member of the public used the brick to help rescue the family.

It is unclear if the police are still treating the attack as racially motivated.

Abul Kalam Azad, his wife Syeda Sanaz Begum, and their five children, aged two to 21, escaped the blaze.

Mr Azad and his wife escaped through the rear of the house with their two-year-old son.

Their three other sons, aged 14, 18 and 20, and their 17-yearold daughter, escaped by jumping from a first-floor bedroom window.

Two members of the family remained in hospital last night. One is today due to have an operation to injuries By HELEN COOK Disappointment at Christmas craft fair CHRISTMAS came early as a hospice held a craft fair yesterday.

Butterwick Hospice, in Bishop Auckland, ran a Christmas craft fair at Hall Garth Hotel, near Darlington.

The event ran throughout the day and featured stalls full of Christmas gifts, chocolates and a chocolate fountain.

Children could also meet Santa Claus to get their photo taken and receive a gift.

However, the event only attracted a few people, much to the disappointment of hospice fundraiser Barbara Fountain.

She said: "Unfortunately, we did not get many people in through the day. It was quite disappointing. We had some lovely things but there were not many people to enjoy them. The only thing we can put it down to is that it was Remembrance Day."

The charity will hold a fundraising firewalk tonight, at Ceddesfeld Hall, Sedgefield, which has proved popular in the past.

sustained during the escape.

The police spokeswoman said officers were making progress with the case and are carrying out house-to-house inquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Potts said: "We have a dedicated team of officers who are determined to find the person or people responsible."

The high police presence is expected to continue to address the concerns of residents.

Police are working alongside fire investigators to find the cause of the fire.

Eldest son Monir Azad, 20, played a vital role in helping his family escape.

He said: "I shouted for everyone to wake up, but when I turned around, the fire was already behind me.

"I ran up the stairs and we all crowded into the bedroom at the front of the house. We did not want to jump, but we had no choice."