ARSONISTS set fire to a house in Hood Manor in the early hours of this morning.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to the address on Reaper Close shortly after midnight today, Tuesday.

The blaze was started in the garden, before spreading up a climbing plant attached to the property.

Firefighters spent around three-and-a-half hours tackling the blaze, with two engines having attended the scene.

It is believed that the fire was started deliberately, with no parties having been injured.

Police say that two men were seen outside the address around the time of the fire before fleeing on foot.

Gunshots were fired at the same home during an incident in March this year.

Detective sergeant Alison McLoughlin said: “We are aware of concerns in the local community following recent activity in the area.

“I want to reassure those living locally that we understand your concerns, and we are continuing to investigate these incidents.

“We are doing everything we can and will continue to listen to your concerns and act on any potential information provided to us.

“There will be a number of officers patrolling the area and people are encouraged to speak to them with any concerns they have.”

Anyone who has any information is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting incident number IML720057, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.