A DUDLEY man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a woman was left with serious burns to her face and neck following a house fire.

Emergency service crews were called to a property in Haden Walk, Rowley Regis, just before 1am yesterday, where they found a 31 year-old woman in the front garden with burn injuries. She was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

A 12 year-old child and a 13 month-old baby were also rescued from the house unharmed but were taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital for further assessment.

A 42-year-old man from Dudley was arrested at 7.20pm last night on suspicion of attempted murder and is currently in hospital also being treated for scorch injuries.

Detective Constable Andy Barnsley, said: "The woman has suffered 15 per cent burns; we believe she was attacked in the garden before the offender deliberately used accelerants to start a fire in the property.

"Thankfully neither child was injured though the baby, who was asleep at the time, had to be rescued as smoke began filling the bedrooms.

"I'd urge anyone with information to contact the enquiry team immediately."

Call 101 to contact DC Andy Barnsley in the major investigation team at Sandwell. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.