A PENSIONER has been treated in hospital after being rescued from his burning home.

The 72-year-old was trapped inside the bungalow in Consett following a suspected arson attack in the early hours of this morning and was rescued by fire fighters.

He was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation.

A sofa underneath the kitchen window of the semi-detached home in Selby Gardens, in The Grove area of the town, was set on fire shortly after midnight.

The fire spread to the house, smashing the window and allowing flames to spread inside where the elderly man was trapped.

After several calls from members of the public, three fire crews were sent to the scene and used breathing apparatus to get the man out.

His injuries are not thought to be life threatening, but his home was left severely damaged.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “Officers were called this morning to assist the fire brigade after reports of an elderly man trapped inside his home.

“The fire brigade were able to rescue the man from the house.

“He was taken to University Hospital of North Durham and is currently under observation suffering the effects of smoke inhalation.

“It is not apparent at this time if the fire was started deliberately, but we would like to speak to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the run up to and at around the time of the incident”.

Any witnesses to the incident are asked to ring police on 101.