A MAN who was left on a life support machine after an arson attack on his home is still unconscious.

Detectives had hoped to interview David Walker today but doctors ruled he was not well enough to be taken from his hospital ventilator.

Mr Walker, 37, was being sedated to prevent his condition - described as "stable" - deteriorating through the amount of poison in his body from the fire fumes.

It is now hoped he will be well enough to be quizzed Friday to help police make progress in the case.

Detective Sergeant Matt Mason, who is leading the inquiry, said police are still baffled about a motive but have been able to piece together Mr Walker's movements in the hours before the blaze on Sunday night.

Mr Walker had to be rescued from a bedroom window by firefighters as smoke filled his home in Jackson Street, Hartlepool, just after midnight.

He was taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool suffering from smoke inhalation, and was put on a life support machine when his condition deteriorated.

Det Sgt Mason said: "The medics said he would be in too much distress if they brought him around, mainly because if the smoke and fumes he breathed into his lungs.

"They want to give him time to get rid of all that and to rest."

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Hartlepool CID on (01642) 302126 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.