A FAMILY of four were saved from potential tragedy thanks to the actions of an eagle-eyed neighbour.

The neighbour managed to alert the family after seeing their caravan, parked on the drive of their home in Pine Road, Runcorn, set alight in an arson attack.

Det Con Darren Riley said: "Luckily in this case the neighbour was able to alert the family inside the house or this incident could have ended in tragedy."

The family escaped by the back door before the fire spread to the house, eventually damaging the front and part of a neighbour's house.

Police are hunting three men seen approaching the front of the property at around 3.00am on Wednesday, September 14.

One of the men is believed to have been carrying a red petrol can and was seen heading off towards Oak Drive along with the other two men after the incident.

Descriptions have been released of two of the men. One is white, in his late teens to early 20s, around 5ft 7ins, of large build and with a round face. He had a shaven head, which had grown out half an inch and was wearing a white t-shirt with white trousers or shorts.

The second man was white, in his late teens to his early 20s, 5ft 9ins to 5ft 10ins tall and was wearing a white t-shirt and dark bottoms. His hair was darker and around an inch longer than the other man.

Police are investigating the incident and anyone with information should contact Det Con Dave Riley on 01244 613934 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.