TWO men have been bailed after a fire was started at a house in Ellesmere Port while a couple slept.

Firefighters were called to the property on Percival Road, Ellesmere Port, after they received an emergency call at 4.30am yesterday (Wednesday).

Police are treating the incident as suspicious and arrested a 43-year-old and a 44-year-old, both from the local area.

The men have now been bailed until August 5 pending further examination of forensic evidence.

The couple managed to escape the blaze, which was started in the porch of the house, through an upstairs window and did not receive any injuries.

Two crews from Ellesmere Port Fire Station attended the scene and extinguished the fire using two hose reels.

The extent of damage to the property, which was filled with smoke, is not yet known and an investigation is ongoing.

Police are appealing for witnesses or for anyone who was around the area of Percival Road at the time of the incident and witnessed anything suspicious to contact DC Nigel Moore on 01244 613150.

Alternatively information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.