POLICE are investigating an arson attack on a Little Hulton house after petrol was poured through the letter-box.

People living in the mid terrace council house on Wildbrook Road were not at home in the early hours today when the firebug struck.

Petrol was poured through the letter-box and set alight, badly damaging the porch, hallway and stairwell.

The blaze was so severe that it burned through gas pipes and the electricity supply to the property and utility companies had to make emergency repairs.

A 40-year-old man living in a neighbouring property had to be evacuated from his home after smoke began filling his rooms.

John Dunster said: "I was in bed when smoke started pouring through the vent in the kitchen. It was very frightening. I have not been able to sleep since. Thankfully the family next door weren't at home."

"They are a nice couple with two children and only moved in in July."

A fire service spokesman said that the fire in the hall was so intense that there could have been a tragedy if someone had been inside the property at the time.

Police are investigating the incident.