Police have condemned a senseless arson attack on a house where young children were asleep.

They are appealing for witnesses to the attack, in which someone threw a glass object containing petrol or a similar flammable substance at a house in Silverston Way, Malmesbury, on Friday, November 30.

The arson, at 8.58pm, set light to the house's porch, causing flames to leap up to the height of the bedroom windows, and a more serious fire was averted by the prompt action of a neighbour putting out the fire.

Police are keen to contact anyone with information about a white Ford XR3 Mark Four car seen driving away from the scene, or about a short man seen running in the direction of Parklands. Anyone with information should call police on (01249) 654455.