A couple had to flee their bungalow in the middle of the night after fire spread from a wheelie bin and engulfed their home.

Firefighters were called to the blaze in Exeter Walk, Bedford, which police are treating as arson, at 2.49am on Sunday.

The flames quickly spread from the wheelie bin, damaging half of the bungalow, a garage and completely destroying a car.

Police said the bungalow's occupants were lucky they had been disturbed from their sleep, and were able to leave the house without any injuries before the fire took hold.

Fire crews fought for almost two hours to put the blaze out.

Investigators are working alongside police to determine the cause of the incident, but officers already believe it was started deliberately.

Three people wearing hooded tops were seen running away from the area at the time of the fire, and the officer in charge of the investigation, Det Con Colin Reed, has urged anyone with information relating to the incident to come forward.

DC Reed said: "It is not known if the three people seen running close to Exeter Walk are connected with this incident, but I would like to trace them as they may be vital witnesses."

Anyone with information relating to the incident can contact DC Reed on 01234 275340. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.