THREE fire crews rushed to a suspected arson attack overnight at a home near Bridgwater.

Two fire engines from Bridgwater and one from Burnham-on-Sea were called to a property in Canns Lane, Puriton after a report of a porch on fire.

The crews, which were sent shortly after 3.30am this morning (January 8), found the porch was alight on arrival and got to work using one safety jet, one hose reel jet and two breathing apparatus sets.

A spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service said: "Once the porch fire was extinguished breathing apparatus was increased to four and a positive pressure ventilation fan also used to clear the heavily smoke logged domestic property measuring 30m by 8m but crews did confirm there were no persons in the property at this time."

Firefighters also confirmed there was also no internal fire spread, and said: "it is believed this fire could have been started deliberately and the police are also on scene."