ARSONISTS set fire to a house in the early hours of the morning while two people were sleeping inside.

Two men aged 37 and 38 were woken by a smoke alarm at their home in Glamis Place, Banbury, at about 2.45am on Thursday morning.

They found a fire on the ground floor but managed to escape and alert firefighters.

Fire crews have passed the details to police because it was believed to have been an arson attack.

Officers from Cherwell CID are investigating and treating the incident as arson with intent to endanger life.

Det Con Natalie Thompson said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the fire who saw anything that might help us with our investigation.

“If you saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, or maybe a suspicious vehicle, we need to speak to you.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.