A MAN who was arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire devastated a house near York has been released by police.

Emergency services were called to Alne Road in Tollerton in the early hours of Thursday, where three people - including an elderly woman - escaped the blaze, which saw flames reach 20 feet into the air and which gutted the semi-detached house.

North Yorkshire Police said a 52-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson, but had since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious or which could help police should phone 101 quoting reference 12190064669.