A family has been left homeless days before Christmas and a young boy battling serious injuries after a suspected arson attack on their home.

Two of single dad Paul Beattie’s sons, aged 10 and 21, had to jump from a bedroom window to escape the blaze.

The youngest, ten-year-old Blaine, suffered 40% burns and was left in a coma in hospital fighting for his life.

All their belongings were lost including presents Paul had bought for his family, and they have now been left homeless days before Christmas.

One of the family’s two pet dogs also died in the blaze.

A man in his mid-20s has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He has since been released on bail.

Paul Beattie, of Forth Close in Peterlee, was working his regular night shift at Asda when the fire started in a wheelie-bin just after 1.15am.

It spread to the house causing extensive damage to the upstairs flat where his children lay asleep.

Paula Townley was at work with Paul when he was told his house was up in flames with his children still inside.

“I saw Paul run towards the doors at work, and I’ll never forget the look on his face – he was as white as a sheet and the panic on his face is something I just can’t get out of my head,” she said.

“I said to him I’d rush him to his house but then three police officers turned up in a matter of seconds and took him themselves.

“He’s absolutely devastated. I don’t think it has fully hit him what has actually happened.

“All he can think about is his kids’ Christmas presents.

“He keeps telling me about replacing them, buying the oldest son the TV he had originally bought for him and the youngest son some Xbox games – but they don’t even have an Xbox to play them on now with everything being destroyed.

Blaine remains in hospital at the RVI where he is expected to require lengthy treatment.

His older brother Cameron suffered minor burns and the effects of smoke inhalation.

Paula, with the help of her son, has now set up a GoFundMe page to try to help the Paul and his family get back on their feet.

She added: “It’s awful to see what’s happened to Paul and his family, he’s just a single Dad trying to provide for his family – I wanted to try and help them as much as I possibly could.

“Even a few hundred pounds would help him in some way, I never thought it would get the attention it’s getting now.

“We’ve raised over six thousand pounds now and Paul truly can’t believe the support he’s getting and that people are donating.”

The GoFundMe page caught the attention of ex-Geordie Shore star Charlotte Crosby, who donated £500.

 “Although we’ve had some generous donations, especially at this time of year, we need more support,” Paula continued.

“It’s vital that we get as much money raised as possible to help Paul and his family get back on their feet.

“Even the smallest donation goes a long way.”

Donations can be made via the GoFundMe page here.

Check out the story that feature in the Northern Echo.