A HOUSEHOLDER has told how she crawled out of a window clutching her two pet dogs after a neighbour told her "your house is on fire". 

The Northern Echo:

Carla Collins said she had allowed a young man who shares her home to burn some rubbish in her garden, but petrol was poured on the blaze, causing it to run out of control, spreading to her home.

She was only alerted to the danger by a neighbour who knocked on her window and told her to get out.

Ms Collins told The Northern Echo she crawled clear through the window carrying her two dogs.

The house has been gutted by the fire, which broke out shortly after 3.15pm.

The Northern Echo:

More than 20 fire fighters are at the scene, although the fire is now out. Police officers and paramedics also attended.

The property is believed to be owned by housing company livin.

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