Three women had to be evacuated from a flat in Blacon after a fire broke out in a suspected arson attack.

Police were called to an address in Western Avenue in Blacon following reports of a fire being started deliberately at a flat at 10.23pm on Sunday (August 4).

Three women from the flat above were evacuated and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire. No one was in the flat where the fire had started at the time and no one was injured.

DC Kev Green said: "It is believed an accelerant may have been poured through the letterbox. Thankfully no one was injured but this could have ended in tragedy. We need anyone with information who has not yet come forward to contact us to help us with our enquiries.

"Two men were seen running through a nearby alleyway to Wyndham Road. I would urge anyone who saw suspicious activity in this area or has captured this on their CCTV to contact police."

Two men from Blacon aged 26 and 24 have been arrested in relation to this incident and have since been released on police bail.

Anyone with information can contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 1030 of 4 August 2013.

Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.