A man was rescued by firefighters this morning after a blaze was deliberately started in bins in West Molesey.

The man in his 50s was rescued after the Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was alerted at 2.30am to the blaze in Tufton Gardens.

He was taken to hospital by paramedics where he remains receiving treatment for smoke inhalation.

A SFRS spokesman said the fire had been started in the bins outside the property, and that the man, who had alerted the fire brigade, was rescued by firefighters from Esher, Painshill, Sunbury and Chertsey.

The front door of the home was also vandalised during the fire.

Officers at Surrey Police investigating the cause of the blaze say it is believed to have been started deliberately.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Ben Kirby said: "At this stage of the investigation officers believe that this was a deliberate act and we are appealing for the public's help to determine what happened.

"It is lucky that a vigilant neighbour called for the emergency services to attend when they did or this incident could have had a far more serious outcome.

"I want to speak with anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the vicinity around the time of or leading up to the incident.

"If you have any information, however small the detail, please call me and help locate those responsible for this despicable crime."

Anyone with information should call officers on 101 quoting reference number P16272296. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.