Four children were rushed to hospital after a suspected arson attack this morning.
Paramedics rescued a total of six people following the early morning blaze.
Ambulance crews spotted the flames at a property in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire at roughly 5.45am
Those rescued from the property on the Saltersgill Estate were rushed to James Cook University Hospital.
Investigators probed the fire and crime scene investigation vehicle was spotted outside the property later this morning while a cordon remained in place around the gardens.
Teesside Live reports that a spokeswoman North East Ambulance Service said: "One of our ambulance crews came across a house fire in Woodville Avenue at 5.45am this morning.
"We dispatched a further four ambulance crews and an officer and transported six patients to James Cook Hospital."
Cleveland fire Brigade sent four crews to the incident which broke out as dawn was breaking.
They used four breathing apparatus and two hose reel jets while tackling the fire. Crews left the scene just before 7am.
The front door and hallway were damaged by fire and the property suffered extensive smoke damage.
Woodville Avenue was closed off while emergency services dealt with the incident.
Detectives have appealed for information including dashcam and CCTV footage as they investigate how the fire started, but is now being treated as a suspected arson attack.
The six occupants of the property, including four children who were sleeping at the time, were all taken to hospital.
Police remain at the scene and firefighters are dampened down the property.
They have started their investigations and are interviewing anyone who may have seen anything at that time of the morning.
They have also increased patrols in the area and paid tribute to the emergency services who quickly responded to the alarm.
Detective Inspector Rick Mansell said: “Officers remain in the area this morning and have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and patrols.
“The occupants of the property were asleep at the time of this incident and thanks to those who raised the alarm, the emergency services were quickly at the scene.
“We’d appeal to anyone who saw anything or has any dashcam or CCTV which may assist us to contact police.”
Alternatively people can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
