An elderly woman was left shocked after a terrifying arson attack on her home.

She dialled 999 after yobs stuffed burning cardboard through her letterbox in Milner Road, Brighton, at 7.30pm last night. Minutes later a rock was thrown at the front door.

Luckily, the woman had rolled back the carpet near the front door earlier the same day to reach a stopcock and the fire did not spread.

Leading Firefighter Phil Dobson said: "It could have been nasty if she had not realised something was happening and smelt the smoke. She was a little frightened and that's hardly surprising."

A police spokeswoman said: "It must have been very distressing for an elderly resident. Police will be able to put her in touch with other agencies."

Anyone with information can contact Brighton police in 0845 6070999.