A JACK Russell named Jesse is being hailed a hero after alerting his sleeping owner to a fire.

His barking woke her after a fire - being treated as suspicious by police - broke out at her bungalow at around 4.30am today.

Neighbours on Wolsingham Terrace in Annfield Plain, near Stanley, were woken by her screams and helped her escape the thick smoke.

One said: “That dog is a hero. It is a lovely dog and it sleeps with her. If it was not for that Jack Russell she would have been dead. I am pleased she is okay.”

Another added: “I heard her screaming outside. Her dog was barking. All I could see was smoke and flames.

“You could not have got into it because of the heat. When I opened my door all of the smoke came in here.”

It is understood the woman was shocked but unhurt.

She remain with neighbours until temporary accommodation could be arranged.

The front door has been boarded up and the garden area is being treated as a crime scene.

Police are treating the fire as ‘suspicious’ and investigation by detectives is underway.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “There was extensive fire damage to the front door of the house and smoke damage internally.

“The occupant was woken by her dog and the smoke alarms which resulted in her making a lucky escape.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constables Lindsey Hill or Lisa Saul at Stanley CID office on 101 ext 754922.