A couple were rescued from their smoke-logged flat by fire crews after arsonists started a blaze in a hallway.
The middle-aged pair were woken by a smoke detector at 12.30am today and found their first-floor flat in Marline Road, St Leonards, was filled with smoke.
They were trapped by the blaze and fumes but firefighters from Hastings and St Leonards managed to lead them downstairs to safety.
Up to 12 firefighters spent 45 minutes tackling the blaze, which caused heavy smoke and fire damage.
The couple refused to be taken to hospital.
Police were today investigating the blaze, which fire officials said could have caused more damage.
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