Sleeping sisters, 88 and 91, saved from burning house after arson attack

Two sleeping sisters, aged 88 and 91, were saved from a burning house after an apparent arson attack in Manchester.

Once the women had woken up, a neighbour heard one of them shouting "get me out, get me out".

Police were called to Goldenhill Avenue at 12.20am on Wednesday.

Witnesses reported seeing two men pouring an accelerant into the property and setting it on fire after attempting to break in, Greater Manchester Police said.

They then fled the scene.

When two officers arrived they were told two women aged 88 and 91 were inside. The elder sister had recently been in hospital.

The officers realised they "needed to act fast before the fire spread", the force added, saying that without swift action it "could have been much worse".

A neighbour brought a ladder but could not get in, and so police and neighbours smashed a window.

The officers managed to extinguish the fire and led the pensioners to safety.

A 46-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and been taken into custody.

There was "just so much black smoke", one neighbour said.

They added: "My son heard banging on the wall upstairs and the neighbours ran round. We could hear them shouting 'get me out, get me out'.

"My partner had to smash a window to get in the kitchen, but it looked like another small window was already smashed."

Both sisters were barefoot when they were led from the house, the Manchester Evening News reported.

The women were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Chief Inspector Denise Pye said: "Thanks to [the officers'] heroic actions, the two women are expected to be discharged from hospital later today and will hopefully make a full recovery.

"However, had these officers not responded so swiftly and reacted the way they did, this could have been much worse."

Anyone with information is asked to call 0161 856 3101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.