POLICE hunting for suspected arsonists who set fire to the home of an elderly couple have arrested a man in connection with the blaze.

The fire in Peterlee, County Durham, trapped a 78-year-old man and his 74-year-old wife, who escaped only thanks to neighbour John McKie, who pulled them away from the flames in the early hours of Saturday.

Mr McKie, a 34-year-old factory worker covered his head in a dressing gown and ran into the burning house in the town’s Pentland Close.

Fortunately fire crews were just metres away in Snowden Place, having been called out to reports at midnight of a Nissan Micra on fire.

An 18-year-old man from the Peterlee area has been arrested on suspicion of arson and was yesterday being interviewed at Peterlee Police Station.

Meanwhile, police are investigating a possible link between the house fire and the car fire, and believe two teenage girls could hold the key to finding those responsible.

Hero Mr McKie, who lives in the street in the County Durham town, said: “The house was full of smoke so when I got upstairs I chucked a TV through a window and made sure they put their heads outside so they could get some air. It was just madness.”

Firefighters used aerial ladders to rescue the couple who were treated at the scene for shock and smoke inhalation.

The initial investigation revealed the house blaze started when a nearby wheelie bin was set alight. Flames quickly took hold and spread to the UPVC door and then the property.

Police are now re-examining the nearby car fire, and are hoping to speak to two teenage girls who stopped and spoke to crime scene officers in the early hours of Saturday morning as they could be essential witnesses.

Detective Chief Insp Brad Howe said: “Thankfully, the occupants were unharmed but this was a very serious incident.

“We would not only like to speak to these two teenage girls but anyone who can help with our inquiries.

“We are also looking into the car fire started a few minutes earlier. The cause was initially thought to be an electrical fault but it may have been started deliberately by the same person or persons who started the fire in Pentland Close.”

The elderly couple are now thought to be staying with relatives.

Fire station manager for Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service Steve Wharton has praised Mr McKie for his heroic efforts.

He said: “Being woken up by a total stranger telling you your house is on fire is a complete shock. It’s anyone’s worst nightmare. We don’t condone people putting their lives at risk but this is the stuff of a really good citizen and we praise his actions. It’s saved their lives.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham Police on 0345 606 0365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.