An arsonist threw flaming leaflets through an open door while a family were sleeping upstairs, say police.

Luckily no one was hurt in the terrifying incident at a home in West Road in Ellesmere Port after the fire failed to spread.

The family were sleeping upstairs when the unknown arsonist attempted to push leaflets through the letterbox at the house, between 1am and 7am on Monday (March 3).

But the door had been left unlocked and the offender threw flaming leaflets into the family home, causing damage to flooring in the living room.

The fire came shortly after emergency services were called to Rivacre Road in Ellesmere Port after a car was on fire on the roadside.

It is not clear whether the two incidents are connected.

Police are now appealing for witnesses following the fire, which they say could have had ‘unthinkable consequences’.

DC Robert Moore said: "A family were asleep upstairs at the time. Thankfully the fire did not catch and spread further which could have had serious unthinkable consequences.

“I would urge anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area around these times to contact us in order to help police with their enquiries.”

Anyone with information should contact DC Robert Moore on 101 quoting incident 125 of 4 March 2014.