A SOUTHAMPTON man has been rushed to hospital following an arson attack.

The 56-year-old man escaped through his living room window after his front door went up in flames.

A burning petrol can was also found outside his bungalow in Wimpson Lane.

He tried to tackle the blaze himself but was forced to call the fire brigade following the incident between 1.30am on and 1.45am on Monday.

The victim had been at home with a 44-year-old woman when a passerby alerted them to the fire.

The man was taken to Southampton General Hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.

He has since been discharged.

Police are now appealing for information and witnesses to help with their investigations.

A police spokesperson said: "Officers investigating the incident are particularly keen to hear from anyone in the area who might have sold a green petrol can in the last couple of days.

"Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area at this time or has any information is asked to call us on 101, quoting reference 44200138555."

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services said: "Crews from St Mary’s and Redbridge were called at 01:37 to a property on Wimpson Lane in Millbrook.

"The fire involved the front door, fascia and porch area of the bungalow.

"This was extinguished using dry powder and water by the owner prior to arrival of crews.

"Crews damped down the scene using a hose reel jet and tactical ventilation for smoke clearance.

"A 56-year-old male was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.

"The incident was handed to police and the stop message came in at 2.51am."