Cops hunt arson suspect after home of mum and two young kids torched in Birmingham

COPS have launched an arson probe after a home with a mum and two young  children inside was torched in Birmingham.

They say they want to speak to David White after the semi-detached house was gutted by fierce flames on Easter Monday.

The mum managed to escape the fire holding her toddler son and clasping the hand of an older girl.

Around 20 firefighters tackled the blaze but the house in Farren Road, Northfield, was severely damaged.

Neighbours told how a man was seen running from the house shortly before smoke was seen billowing from the property.

A witness, who asked not to be named, said: “There was lots of shouting and then we saw a man run out of the front of the house.

“Apparently he set fire to a cushion, which then ignited the sofa. Before you knew it, the place was engulfed with smoke.

“Thankfully, the mum and her kids got out of the house. They were checked over by paramedics. I think they were all okay – just in shock.”

West Midlands Police said White, 34, was known to those inside the house.

Inspector Dave Sproson said: "We believe this was a deliberate act and those inside the property were known to White.

"It’s just fortunate nobody was seriously injured and they have since been safeguarded.

"We urgently need to trace and speak to him and I would urge anyone with information to get in touch as soon as possible."

A spokesman said: “A woman and two children had escaped the fire before our crews arrived on scene.

“Four crews were initially sent and at the height of the fire we had approximately 20 firefighters."

Ambulance chiefs said a woman and the children were checked for smoke inhalation and discharged at the scene.

Anyone with information can call police on 101.

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