A 52-YEAR-old man and his dog were rescued from a flat fire in Bewsey last night, Tuesday, which is believed to have been started deliberately.

He is now in hospital in a stable condition but has suffered serious burns in the arson attack.

Shortly before 11.30pm firefighters from Warrington and Penketh were called to reports of a fire in Whitecross Road.

Crews were there for four hours, using a hose reel jet, a covering jet and a fan to fight the flames and clear smoke.

They rescued a man and a dog from inside the property and administered oxygen.

Once paramedics arrived the man was taken to hospital while a vet was requested to treat the dog.

A joint police and fire investigation is being conducted into the cause of the fire, which is currently thought to have been started deliberately.

Sergeant Darren Reid, of Warrington CID, said: “A man is in hospital with serious injuries as a result of this incident.

READ > When Australia's Ashes hero signed for Grappenhall

“I would like to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to establish how the fire started, working alongside colleagues from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“As part our investigation we are appealing for anyone who believes they have information or footage that may be relevant to the fire to get in touch with the team here at Warrington CID.”

READ > The 5 best restaurants just one hour's drive from Warrington

Anyone with information about the fire should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 509950, give the details online or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 08005 55111.