SEVEN people, including children, escaped without serious injury after an accelerant was thrown at a house in Stockton last night (Friday, February 14), sparking a fire.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack in Kingston Road, just after 9.05pm - after which two men were seen running off.

The blaze was centred on an upstairs bedroom  which suffered slight fire damage although the rest of the house suffered smoke damage.

Two fire crews from Stockton and one from Thornaby attended.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said seven people - adults and children - were inside at the time and all managed to get out without any serious injury.

One was treated for smoke inhalation.

Det Sgt Dave Smith of the Major Crime Team said: “This was an extremely frightening incident for the people inside the house – which included children. Thankfully this did not have an even worse outcome.

“From our initial enquiries, we know that two males were seen running from outside the address and I am keen to trace these people."

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area yesterday eveing can call the Major Crime Team on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.