POLICE have launched an investigation after a man leapt from a first floor window during a serious fire.

Detectives believe the blaze, at Wavell Avenue on Poole’s Waterloo estate, was arson and specially-trained officers are now trying to establish the exact cause.

Fire investigators believe an accelerant was used, possibly petrol, but said inquiries are still ongoing.

Neighbours said a young couple with a baby have recently moved into the semi-detached house.

One, who did not want to be named, told the Daily Echo: “We heard a bang at about 10pm last night and then saw the fire engines.

“Some people said they had seen a man in the garden before the fire but we didn’t see anyone jump out of the window.

“We don’t know the people who live there because they’ve only been there for few weeks but I don’t think the woman or the baby were at home when the fire started.”

A spokesman for Dorset Fire and Rescue said ten per cent of the stairwell was damaged by fire and that 25 per cent of each first floor room was destroyed.

Yesterday first floor windows were open and debris, including the remainder of a burnt-out child’s bed, was in the front garden.

Three fire crews from Poole attended the blaze, which started at 9.55pm.

They used four sets of breathing apparatus, two hose reel jets and one main line and confirmed that all persons were accounted for by 10.18pm.

Police have confirmed that a 26-year-old Poole man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of arson and is helping with inquiries.