A FAMILY has escaped a suspected arson attack at their home in the early hours of Saturday.

Three fire crews from Poole were called at 2.15am to a semi-detached home in Wavell Avenue.

A mum and her 18-year-old daughter had to climb out of a first-floor window to escape, the father of the family was also able to get out - nobody was injured.

A spokesman for Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said it was thought the fire was started maliciously.

The family had working smoke alarms, added the spokesman.