AN ARSON investigation has been launched after a ground floor flat was set on fire in York.

An elderly man managed to flee the burning house unharmed when the blaze broke out in the two-storey building in Front Street, Acomb, at 6.45pm on Monday.

Three crews and an aerial ladder platform appliance were called when smoke was spotted billowing out of the premises.

The man managed to escape as the fire ripped through a carpet, a wardrobe and a door, and caused smoke and heat damage throughout.

The green door was still boarded up last night, but blackened and soot-covered furniture could be seen through a window.

The engines from York, Acomb and Huntington were at the scene for just under two hours.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: “Officers are appealing to any witnesses to come forward.

In particular they would like to speak to people who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the incident.”

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the cause was deemed to be deliberate.

Neighbouring traders yesterday told how they reacted with panic when they heard of the fire.

Sue Hunter, 59, owner of Floral Elegance, said: “I was in the Explore Library at the time and I saw the fire engines go past but thought it must have been a fire at the pub.

“When I came out I saw the commotion outside and saw all the firefighters going through the door.

“I was panicked at first because I people were texting me saying my shop was on fire but I thought “Thank God it wasn’t me” because I was thinking about the tenants I have upstairs.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone York CID on 101.

It is the third arson attack in recent weeks in west York. A man was arrested after a fire in Thoresby Road in Acomb on February 2, and a building at the old Manor School site was damaged ten days later.