A family has been left homeless after a fire at the Beetham Gardens.

A commercial building was also burnt.

Police suspect arson.

Reports say the incident took place at 9^th Street at around 8:10pm last night.

Residents told police a man doused the entire house with an accelerant before setting the fire.

He then fled the scene.

A report was made and Fire Officers and Tenders from the Wrightson Road Headquarters were called to the scene.

The blaze was extinguished.