A family who fled for their lives with their pets from their blazing home believe they were victims of an arsonist.

The blaze which swept through their home in Bethune Road, Horsham, is being investigated by police as a possible deliberate fire.

Driver Raymond Brumwell, 52, his wife Jeanette, 44, daughter Heidi, 14, and father-in-law Thomas Ireland, 76, were asleep when the blaze started in the lounge of their four-bedroom detached house.

They were saved by their smoke detectors.

The couple's other daughter Michelle, 20, who was staying in a caravan in the front garden, also rushed to help.

The family fled through the front door, with Mr Brumwell grabbing 13-week labrador pup Buster and Heidi taking 13-year-old cat Lucky to safety.

The family watched in their nightclothes as Horsham firefighters fought to save their home.

The lounge was gutted and the rest of the house became smokelogged.

Mr Brumwell said: "My father-in-law is always on about us shutting all the windows and turning off the lights and taking out the electric plugs.

"But I found out a window was ajar and the side gate, which is always shut because of the pup, was open.

"We are not really sure who could have done this but it's a nasty thing to do."

Horsham police confirmed they were investigating the possibility that the fire, which swept through the property just after midnight on Wednesday, was started deliberately.

A fire brigade spokesman said: "It is being investigated as of doubtful origin."