A family escaped a suspected arson attack that badly damaged their home in the early hours.

Three fire crews from Poole were called at 2.15am on Saturday to a semi-detached house in Wavell Avenue on the Waterloo estate.

Dorset Fire and Rescue Service said a mum and her 18-year-old daughter had to climb out of a first-floor window and on to the porch roof to get out after the fire blocked their escape.

A man was also able to get out – nobody was injured. The victims were checked over at Poole Hospital.

A fire service spokesman said it was thought the blaze was started maliciously.

On Saturday morning the family were not present at the house, which had been taped off by police.

One of them was still being treated in hospital.

Burnt possessions and debris were on the drive outside alongside a Citroen C5 car.

A police car and scientific investigation team were on the scene.

Officers were conducting house-to-house inquiries.

Shocked neighbours described their amazement at hearing the fire was believed to have been started on purpose.

They said they had not heard anything before the emergency services arrived.

One described seeing flames in the front porch of the house.

She said: “It’s not the sort of thing you expect to happen.”

Residents said they were woken by noise and lights in the early hours.

“There were flashing lights and police cars and they sealed off the road,” added a neighbour.

Another female resident said: “I’ve lived on the estate for 50 years and everybody is fair enough, what I know of them.

“I saw police cars and people talking and I could see there was something down there. I’ve never seen anything like this before here, it’s a quiet estate.”

The family had working smoke alarms, which helped save their lives, added the fire service spokesman.

Wavell Avenue was the scene of another fire in May 2009, when a man had to leap from a window after a blaze, again believed to be deliberate, was started.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police, quoting reference 74:28.

Call 01202 222222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800 555111.

• comments to newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk