IPSWICH: A father has today told of his devastation after an alleged arson attack threatened the life of his young son.

Two woman and their two young children were rescued from a first-floor flat after petrol was poured through a letterbox and ignited.

Today, Chris Lander, father of one of the children rescued from the scene, said: “I’m devastated, its awful – I just can’t believe it, that’s my son.

“You never think that something like this will happen, I’m just so devastated. How can anyone do anything like that to kids and women.

“I don’t think people realise the damage they cause. The whole flat is blackened, all of his toys, his cot – everything.

“They heard something being poured through the door, they locked themselves in the living room and they put cushions under the door to try and stop the smoke from coming in.”

Police officers are today investigating the suspected arson attack which happened at 1.54am yesterday in Whitland Close, off Stoke Park Drive.

Three fires crews attended the incident and on arrival found a fire in an entrance hall and stairs to the flat.

The rescued – which included a one-year-old boy, a baby who is believed to be four-months-old and a pregnant woman – were assessed by paramedics, but were uninjured in the blaze.

The area remained cordoned off throughout the day while scenes of crimes officers from Suffolk Constabulary conducted an examination of the area. Officers have been trawling through CCTV images and taking statements from neighbours.

Detective Inspector Stuart Sowerby, of Ipswich CID, said: “This is a nasty incident that could have had serious even fatal consequences.

“I urge anyone who may have been in the area Whitland Close in the early hours of this morning to contact Ipswich CID without delay as they may hold important information which may assist this inquiry.”

Last night, police spokesman said that no one had been arrested.

Anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident is asked to contact Dc Mark Pollikett at Ipswich CID on 01473 613500.