A DISABLED woman was among terrified residents who fled for their lives from a burning block of flats following an early morning arson attack in Boscombe.

Cherie Hitchens was in bed when she heard the fire alarm sounding and realised the bedsit above her was ablaze.

The 48-year-old, who suffers from osteoarthritis, said: “At first I thought it was a false alarm but then I heard people running downstairs and smelled smoke.

“I’m not very mobile but the adrenalin must have kicked in.

“Somehow I managed to get out of bed and call the fire brigade. Luckily all five of the residents managed to get out; there was no-one living in the upstairs bedsit at the time.”

She added: “The furniture there was ruined and other flats were smoke and water damaged. It was very scary and I am now suffering from panic attacks.”

Police are appealing for witnesses following the fire which broke out in Gordon Road at around 4am on Tuesday.

They would particularly like to speak to a taxi driver who was in the vicinity.

DC Jo Shewbridge, of Bournemouth CID, said: “Fortunately residents were woken by the alarm and able to get out of the property without sustaining any injuries.

“The bedsit, which was empty, suffered fire and smoke damage.”

She added: “I understand that a taxi driver was waiting in his vehicle along Gordon Road at roughly 4am, presumably to collect a fare.

“I would like to speak to him as it’s possible that both he and anyone that he may have picked up will have vital information about this extremely serious offence.

“I would also like to speak with anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in this area and anyone with information about the person responsible.”

The taxi driver police want to speak with is grey haired and middle aged. His taxi is yellow or white with a stripe around the vehicle.

Police can be contacted on 101, quoting incident 10.33, or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.