A house fire in Lowestoft this morning was started deliberately, police have said.

Officers have launched an investigation in to the arson attack at a home in Britten Road at around 3am today.

The occupant of the property awoke and quickly realised his home was on fire.

He got himself and his dog out of the property and saw flames were coming from the lean-to at the side of the house.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire and it is being treated as arson.

The fire was reported at 3.25am and saw about 50pc of the home's ground floor alight.

Two fire crews from Lowestoft South Fire Station were called out to the fire, which was under control by 4.26am,

Police were alerted just after 4.35am and officers are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area between midnight and 5am.

Officers would particularly like to trace two individuals who may have information that can help.

The first is a blonde woman who banged on the door of a home of a nearby resident to alert them to the fire.

The second is a teenage boy, described as being around 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build, wearing a grey all-in one outfit that appeared to have a black tail, who is believed to have spoken to several people at the scene about the fire.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Lowestoft CID by dialling 101 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously if required, on 0800 555 111.