A TODDLER saved the lives of his sleeping family by raising the alarm as fire ripped through their home.

Three-year-old Connor Clark woke his mother and father, Susan, 26, and Russell, 30 - and then led sisters Simone, nine, and Tyler, who is one, from the house in Marley Pots, Sunderland, while his parents rescued David, five, from the bedroom.

By the time firefighters arrived, the family was safe.

Last night, Mrs Clarke said she was in shock about what happened, but praised Connor for his bravery.

She said: "When Connor told me there was a fire, I didn't believe him at first. I got up and found smoke everywhere. I phoned the fire brigade and we all got outside."

The three-bedroom house, in Oaklands Crescent, was severely damaged in the blaze, including sections of the roof.

The family are now staying with Susan's parents while they consider their future.

Station Officer Alan Gash said: "We found the bedroom well alight. The first floor and parts of the roof were severely damaged by fire."

He stressed the importance of maintaining a smoke alarm as the one in the house had no battery.