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Family flees house fire
A family of eight had to flee their home after a suspected arson attack today.
Neighbours said rubbish was set on fire and hurled through an open window of the house in Athol Road, Hendon.
Luckily, the dad spotted the fire in time to get his partner and six children out of the two-storey terraced house before it took hold.
Firefighters from Sunderland central fire station were called to the blaze, which started in the front living room, shortly after 6.10am.
Crew manager Steve Errington said: "We got there in time to put out the fire.
"The front room was damaged but the rest of the house was pretty much okay."
Fire crews spent about an hour at the scene and used breathing apparatus to enter the property.
Hoses and fans were used to clear the fire and smoke.
Mr Errington said the fire service is still trying to determine the cause, but it is believed to malicious.
Today a police officer was standing guard outside the front of the property.
Neighbours say there have been several fires on the road in recent months.
One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "I've been looking out of the window because I was really concerned for the bairns.
"There's six kids in there so it's really worrying.
"There were two fire engines here but I think it's mostly smoke damage.
"Apparently rubbish was put through the window. You cannot leave your window open round here."
Another neighbour said: "I didn't see anything but it's the second time there's been a fire here in the past couple of months.
"There's a house boarded up opposite where the last fire happened."
Northumbria Police confirmed they were investigating the blaze.
A spokesman said: "Police are working with fire investigators and officers to determine the cause of the fire."
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Weather for Sunderland
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -3 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South west
